Warriors coach Mike Ruddock finds himself short of backs at Sixways

Worcester Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock says he may have to bring in another loan player.

Warriors are already without Chris Pennell and Sam Tuitupou for the rest of the season and wing Marcel Garvey is still on his way back to full fitness.

And Ruddock admits: "We have to bear in mind that there could be a need for extra players.

"I wasn't envisaging we would go out for another loan player - particularly on the wing - but I can't rule it out."

Both Pennell and Tuitupou have suffered knee ligament injuries over the last month and on-loan fly-half Eoghan Hickey has now returned to London Irish.

Marcel Garvey has not played for Worcester Warriors this season.

"We have European Challenge Cup pool match against Petrarca Padova, a quarter-final, hopefully a semi-final, and 12 league games still to play," added Ruddock.

"I made a few phone calls to check if there were any players who could be available on loan and the early indications are that there could be a couple of options.

"I was considering loaning out Marcel somewhere as he is not registered for the European Challenge Cup.

"But once Chris got injured I really don't want to run the risk with him when it looks like he'll be there or thereabouts for our next league game."

Worcester are at home to Petrarca Padova in the European Challenge Cup this Saturday (24 January, 1500 GMT).

There will be full commentary on BBC Hereford and Worcester 104 FM and at bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester.

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