Worcestershire Sport

Ruddock urges Warriors improvement

WORCESTER Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock is desperate to put last weekend's defeat at rivals Gloucester behind him as his side host London Irish in the LV Cup tomorrow (Saturday ko 3pm).
The Welshman has taken full responsibility for the lack of cohesion which led to his teams 17-5 defeat at Kingsholm.
“We now focus on London Irish and putting it right," he said.
"We have rested some senior players in recent weeks, given them almost a mini pre-season to work on fitness before we get back into the Guinness Premiership.
“I will be selecting a strong team for London Irish and many of the team that faced Gloucester will go again, I want to see the rustiness of last week has gone and give our fans a better performance."
One player who will be missing is Sam Tuitupou. The powerhouse centre has been given permission to return to New Zealand for a family matter but will be back for next week's clash with Saracens at Wembley.
The former All Black has agreed terms on a new deal, but has family issues to sort out before he is willing to put pen to paper. However his return to the Southern Hemisphere this week is not thought to be linked to any final decision on his contract.
Ruddock also revealed he had spoken to the agent of Stormers scrum half Ricky Januarie, who has just ended a loan stint at Welsh side Ospreys.
The Sixways boss had enquired about the South African's availability ahead of a potential move to Sixways, but work permit problems appear to have scuppered any deal.
Meanwhile, Warriors home grown star Chris Pennell has put pen to paper on a new two year contract.
The new deal will keep the academy utility player, who is comfortable at fullback, centre, and on the wing at Sixways until 2012.
"I'm very pleased to sign and be here for another two years. I really love it here, I'm Worcester born and this is my team. I want to play a big part in bringing this club a lot of success," Pennell said.
"I've always had wonderful support from the club, throughout everything I have been through, which made this a very easy decision.
"The club had invested a lot in me and I'm hoping over the coming years to pay that back."

• | More
• «Back
• «Home
• Contact the Sports Desk about this story