Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock hailed the character of his team as the curtain fell on the Guinness Premiership season – and insisted his young Worcester Warriors would only be stronger for this year’s experience.
Warriors lost 32-15 to London Irish on the final day on home soil with a side full of youthful spirit, talent and endeavour.
Ruddock admitted it had been a rollercoaster season, however, was sure his side would only be stronger for it come the start of the 2009/10 campaign.
He said: “It’s been an up and down season – but what has shown is the character of the team.
“We know we can deliver when our backs are against the wall. That has been a defining value of this team over the years to try and avoid relegation.
“We avoided relegation by a country mile, even though we lost heavily to Bristol down there.
“We got wins and win did the double over London Wasps and Gloucester, the first time we have ever done that as a club.
“We know we are capable of doing things. We have blooded 16 players this year that have either been on Academy contracts or still are.
“That will make us stronger on the longer term so that when we get the likes of Latham and Tuitupou back, guys of that quality, I feel we are going to be in far better shape to launch a much stronger challenge up the league.
“We have had a couple of years when we have changed the squad around a little bit. I think it is time to steady the ship and get guys back from injury and try and get my best team out.
“We want to be able to put out a selection which we feel is our best team, we haven’t been able to do that this season.”