Ruddock delight at next generation

Mike Ruddock has hailed the next generation of stars coming into the Worcester Warriors team and insisted they are more than capable if injuries bite at the Sixways Stadium.

Warriors have this week revealed that Will Bowley will be out of action for a month with a broken thumb and he joins long term absentees Pat Sanderson, Marcel Garvey and Hal Luscombe on the sidelines.

But Ruddock remains confident that his young guns can keep firing with Matt Mullan, Tom Wood, Chris Pennell, Miles Benjamin and James Collins all impressing in the opening weeks of the season.


And he believes the next batch of young Warriors coming through the ranks are more than capable of performing in the Guinness Premiership.


“We’re having to develop our next generation of Warrior recruits and that is a real positive,” said Ruddock.


“I’m a big believer in youth and the young players will continue to grow. Graham Kitchener could come into the squad this weekend and he won’t let anyone down.


“We don’t see the amount of injuries taking a big hit on our professional players. We also still have some experienced players coming in to balance the team, such as Craig Gillies for Will Bowley.


“To an extent it is no different to other sides, I have spoken to other coaches and they are also having injuries to deal with. It’s something that is going to affect any club.”


Meanwhile, Ruddock has revealed that Matt Jones could yet be fit for the clash with Bath after suffering a foot injury.


But the Director of Rugby admits that a confident Loki Crichton will once again be handed the number ten shirt.


“Matt Jones was originally out of the game but he has been able to run with the physio and there is a chance he could be part of the Bath line-up,” he said.


“However, Loki Crichton will be starting at fly half. He has the opportunity to give us the goal kicking accuracy we want and he is full of confidence.


“The big thing is that he is looking forward to playing and is putting himself forward for kicks. That tells me he is full of belief, he has bottle and we are backing him all the way.”


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