Ruddock has signed a three-year deal

The 47-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal, replaces John Brain.

Brain left the Warriors on Monday, just 48 hours after they avoided relegation from the Premiership on the final day of the season.

Ruddock guided Wales to the 2005 Grand Slam but his reign came to a sudden end midway through the 2006 Six Nations, with player power cited as a factor.

Interview: Mike Ruddock

Worcester's decision to turn to Ruddock was first revealed by BBC Sport on Monday.

Mike has worked at the very highest level and has a fantastic reputation Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth

Ruddock, who has been assisting his local club Mumbles in a coaching capacity, said he had big plans for the club.

"I am very impressed with what chairman Cecil Duckworth and the board have achieved in taking the club all the way through the lower leagues to holding their own among the rugby elite," he said.

"I now want my arrival to take the club onto the next level and I already have thoughts and plans for our style of play to take the team forward.

"I have watched the team play and there is no doubt that we can develop the style of play in terms of winning games and playing quality rugby that people will enjoy watching in a similar vein to the Wales team that won the Grand Slam in 2005."

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Duckworth said: "In Mike, we have appointed a man who I know has both the credentials and talent to take this club on to the next level and our aim of European rugby.

"Mike has worked at the very highest level and has a fantastic reputation throughout the rugby world."