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Rugby Union

Ruddock handed Worcester job

01/05/2007

Wales' Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock has been appointed the new director of rugby at Worcester Warriors.

Ruddock has signed a three-year deal at Sixways and replaces John Brain, who left the club yesterday despite keeping them in the Guinness Premiership this season with a final-day victory over Saracens.

In dismissing Brain from his position, Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth praised him as "one of the best coaches in the Premiership" but said that the season overall had fallen short of expectations.

"The results this season have not matched the levels we had all hoped for and having debated the problem extensively – with my co-director Roger Murray and in consultation with John– the decision has been made to take the club forward under new leadership," he said.

Duckworth added that Brain's successor would be "announced in the next 24 hours".

Ruddock's last full-time post in rugby was with the Wales national side, leading them to their first Grand Slam for 27 years in 2006.

But he left the post in controversial fashion, citing "personal reasons" amid rumours of player unrest and behind-the-scenes problems.

He has been keeping himself involved with the game through a part-time coaching role at local south Wales club side Mumbles RFC, who play in National League Four.

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