Scrum-half Ryan Powell has fierce competition for Welsh honours

Scrum-half Powell, 27, has fierce international competition with Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips and Gareth Cooper ahead of him for Wales.

But former Welsh coach Ruddock insists: "Ryan has pace and excellent service and has already been capped by Wales.

"If he continues the improvement in his game there is a chance that further caps will follow."

Powell, who won three Wales caps coming off the bench in 2002, has been joined by England Sevens winger Marcel Garvey in agreeing a new contract at Sixways.

Powell joined Worcester from Cardiff in 2006 and had just been installed as Worcester Warriors' first-choice scrum-half when he broke a bone in his foot.

"Ryan has had a good season so far even though he has been hampered by injury," said Worcester coach Ruddock.

"But over the next two years we expect him to put even more pressure on to secure that starting position at the Warriors."