Ruddock expecting Tongan to stay

Tevita Taumoepeau joined Worcester in 2005 from French side Bourgoin

Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock believes prop Tevita Taumoepeau will not be leaving Sixways.

Reports have suggested the Tongan could be moving to Wales to join the Dragons but Ruddock has told BBC Hereford and Worcester he knows nothing about it.

He said: "Tevita is an interesting one as he is contracted here next season.

"There are reports about him leaving, but he is getting lots of games and is happy here. I would be very surprised if he wanted to breach his contract."

Taumoepeau, known at Sixways as "Dave", has played 35 games for Tonga, and won 6 caps for the Pacific Islands.

He joined Worcester during the summer of 2005, having previously played for the Chiefs, the Blues, Northampton and Bourgoin.

All the players we invested in are staying here, and most of our youngsters are contracted to us or have been made offers

Worcester Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock

Ruddock says it is his intention to keep almost all of the current team, and add three or four quality players to squad.

"Most of the players are on existing deals and will be here next season anyway," he said.

"All the players we invested in are staying here, and most of our youngsters are contracted to us or have been made offers.

"I would be surprised if the youngsters we have offered contacts to would not sign as we now have a very good track record of bringing young players through."

Warriors travel to London Irish on Sunday, 15 March (1300 GMT) and there will be full commentary on the game on BBC Hereford and Worcester.