Ruddock coached Wales to the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005

Worcester Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock has said that the Guinness Premiership is the toughest club competition in the world.

Ruddock's claims come after Wales coach Warren Gatland said that this year's Premiership is "weak".

But Ruddock told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "Warren knows that the Premiership is a fantastic competition.

"There are no easy games. It is week-in, week-out, the toughest competition in world rugby."

Gatland's comments came after he picked just one English-based player, Sale scrum-half Dwayne Peel, in his squad for the autumn internationals.

Attendances are up, even in a recession. It's a brilliant competition Mike Ruddock

"Having watched the games, it is the weakest I've seen since I've been up here [in the northern hemisphere]," said the New Zealander.

Ruddock, himself a former Wales coach, refuted the claims by saying: "You only have to talk to players like Chris Latham and Rico Gear who have come from Super 14.

"They will tell you how intense it is, how difficult it is and how physical it is.

"Attendances are up, even in a recession. It's a brilliant competition."

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