Mike Ruddock resigns as Worcester Warriors boss

Ruddock arrived at Sixways in 2007

Worcester Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock has resigned following the club's relegation from the Premiership.

The former Wales Grand Slam-winning coach had been in charge at Sixways since 2007 following the departure of John Brain.

Warriors were relegated from English rugby's top flight after suffering a 12-10 at Leeds on Sunday.

Academy manager Andrew Stanley will take charge of the team for the last game of the season against Gloucester.

Ruddock told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "I reflected on our failure to stay in the Premiership and thought that, as director of rugby, the buck should stop with me and I should offer my resignation.

"Cecil Duckworth has been a fantastic chairman and has been very supportive of my efforts but I feel as though I've let him down.

"Someone else can come in now and take the team forward, out of the Championship and back into the Premiership.

"My sons play in Dublin and I've been thinking that at some stage I'd be looking to reunite the family so, given that I couldn't commit to be in Worcester over a longer term, someone else should come in."

Chairman Duckworth added: "I have always enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Mike and I would firstly like to thank him for his contribution to Worcester Warriors during his tenure.

"Throughout his time at the club, Mike has always strived to develop an infrastructure that will enable the club to continue to grow and develop an enterprising style of rugby.

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Dean Ryan fits the bill and is available and I think he would be interested in the role

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"The results this season have been incredibly disappointing and Mike has taken full responsibility for this.

"We will now look to take the club forward under new leadership. Our focus now switches to the search for a successor.

"With our recruitment of players for next season to add to the current squad I am sure they will guide us back into the Guinness Premiership at the first time of asking."

Ruddock won the Grand Slam with Wales in 2005 before leaving a year later.

He guided Warriors to 10th place in his first season in charge as well as taking them to the European Challenge Cup final, which they lost to Bath.