Ruddock determined to turn Warriors into force

Mike Ruddock has targeted transforming Worcester Warriors into a major domestic and European force after being handed the Sixways hot-seat.

Wales’ 2005 Grand Slam-winning coach officially took the reins on Tuesday after agreeing a three-year deal to succeed John Brain.
And the 47-year-old is now determined to meet the ambitions of the club and chairman Cecil Duckworth.
“I’m looking forward to making an impact here, this is a very ambitious club and obviously Cecil (Duckworth) is a great man and a man of integrity who has worked incredibly hard to make this club successful,” he said.
“I am under no illusions that there are expectations but it us to me, my coaching team and the players to try and deliver. There is a great vision for the future and I want to be part of that journey.
“I need to get my feet under the table and do an audit, if you like, of what we have and what we haven’t got in all areas, including the playing front.
“But anything is possible, which is something I found out when I was coach at Swansea. They finished eighth in the first season of Welsh league rugby, so we targeted a top-four finish the following year and went on to win the title.
“When I went with Wales, we thought we would try to win our home games and compete elsewhere, and we ended up winning a Grand Slam.”
Ruddock has enjoyed a glittering and successful coaching career and revealed he had even recently been helping to coach Welsh minnows Mumbles – they are one win away from achieving a league and cup double.
And now he is aiming to bring that same brand of success to Sixways and enjoy his first taste of the Guinness Premiership.
“This is the competition in Europe in terms of league status,” he said.
“You only have to look at this season’s European Cup final, and see two English teams occupying the final spots, to realise how advanced and how tough this league is. It is a real test for any coach, and it is going to be a big test for me.”
“I’m looking forward to encouraging the players to play quality running rugby and some of those plans I have already discussed with Pat Sanderson. He is very comfortable with that.
“I don’t expect it to happen overnight, it will mean a lot of hard work four everyone involved to move the club forward.
“But I have spoken to Pat about how important it is for the players as well as the coaching team to really get involved and take ownership, it’s not down to one man.
Ruddock believes he has inherited a strong squad and is relishing the opportunity to work with Warriors.
But Chairman Cecil Duckworth has also indicated that funds will be made available to strengthen the playing staff.
“It would be nice to get some new signings of quality players,” added Ruddock.
“We are interested in any player of quality, particularly of international quality, but having spoken to Pat and seen what a close team the boys I know it is important who ever we bring in will fit into the team harmony.”



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