Ruddock's team have won only three Premiership games this season

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock insists Worcester Warriors' relegation plight is not down to a lack of effort.

Saturday's defeat by London Irish left Worcester three points adrift at the bottom of the Guinness Premiership with only three games to play.

Ruddock told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "At the moment it is not going our way but it not due to a lack of effort.

"There are only so many things you can control as coaches."

He added: "And to a certain degree it is the same for the players.

"The referee, the opposition, they can have a say in it as well.

"I thought London Irish played really well. They took their chances well.

"I thought our players stuck in and battled hard and as long as I can keep smiling I think they will keep their chins up."

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