Worcester Warriors need help from fans - Mike Ruddock

Ruddock has seen his team win only three home league games this season.

Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock says his side need the fans to back them if they are to avoid relegation from the Premiership.

Bottom side Warriors face leaders Leicester at Sixways on Saturday.

And Ruddock told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "It's important the fans stay with us. We have to help by showing huge determination and desire.

"We didn't disappoint against Newcastle and we're very confident we can do the same against Leicester."

He added: "We don't want to turn being at Sixways into a disadvantage by the fans getting a bit frustrated, because things will go wrong at times - that's inevitable for any team.

Warriors are two points adrift at the foot of the table, with relegation rivals Sale and Leeds both away from home this week.

Four of the Warriors' last six games are at home and Ruddock believes that could help his side significantly.

It's up to the fans, who have been fantastic all the way through, to get behind that effort and really cheer us on

Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock

"Home advantage is a massive thing and we have to make it count," he said.

"As a team, we have to demonstrate that we deserve to be cheered. It's up to the fans, who have been fantastic all the way through, to get behind that effort and really cheer us on.

"Also, if they think we are dropping off the pace, they can try and get behind us and lift us again for another big effort.

"It's going to be a team effort - on and off the field - between the players and the fans. Hopefully, they will help us come through this."

Fly-half Willie Walker has recovered from a broken bone in his hand, which he suffered during the 13-0 win over Newcastle Falcons a month ago, and will be fit to start on Saturday.

"Willie will technically have a last-minute fitness test just to make sure he is okay, but he is training with us and doing all the skills," added Ruddock.

"In fact, he's pretty much been doing that since day one with just a strapping on his hand. We don't envisage a problem and are hopeful he will start.

There will be full commentary on Worcester Warriors v Leicester Tigers on Saturday, 27 March (kick-off 1500 GMT) on BBC Hereford & Worcester 104 FM and online.