Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock is in talks with the Sixways outfit about extending his contract.
The Warriors supremo has one year remaining on the deal he signed in April 2007 and there has been speculation that after a season of struggle he could be set to lose his job.
That has arisen out of some disappointing performances and the club’s continued failure to break away from the foot of the Premiership. Warriors have ended their league campaign 11th in the table for the second time in three seasons and for the third consecutive year have not managed to get past the 40-point mark.
Indeed in his first two terms in charge, Ruddock has not eclipsed John Brain’s achievement of posting nine league wins and 42 and 47 points respectively in the club’s first two top flight seasons.
But Worcester owner Cecil Duckworth told The Birmingham Post he has no intention of changing the man at the top and said that he sees signs of progress despite Warriors’ lowly status.
“I am very happy with Mike, we are talking about extending his contract,” Duckworth said.
“Although we are not doing it consistently we are playing some great rugby at times and what we want is continuity.
“Mike is a great guy doing lots of good things and we will build around him.
“You only have to see the number of young players that have come in and started in the Premiership for us, Mike has put those guys in.”
The largest factor behind that is injuries to senior players which Duckworth admits has had a detrimental effect on team performance.
“Those injuries have come in key positions,” he said. “What would Man United do without Ronaldo and a whole lot more?
“Having to change combinations all the time affects those split second decisions that decide whether you score or not and that in turn shapes games. If you are not scoring your opponent usually is. But I believe that when we get it right we are a good side.”
The club also announced that England Sevens star Matt Cox and centre Greg King – both products of their academy system – have signed new deals to remain at Sixways.
Cox has agreed a new two-year deal King has agreed a one-year extension.
But Loki Crichton will not be staying with Worcester. The utility back will not have his contract renewed after two seasons at the club.
