Ruddock set to replace Brain

12 April 2012

Wales' Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock is expected to become the new director of rugby at Guinness Premiership club Worcester.

Ruddock would replace John Brain, whose shock exit was confirmed barely 48 hours after Warriors secured Premiership survival by defeating Saracens in their final league game of the season.

Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth will front a press conference at Sixways on Tuesday morning, joined by club captain Pat Sanderson and Brain's successor.

Brain, who moved to Sixways as head coach in July 2001 and was appointed rugby director a year later, has left with immediate effect.

Ruddock's coaching career has taken a back seat since his shock exit as Wales supremo midway through last season's RBS 6 Nations Championship.

The previous campaign had seen him inspire his country's first Grand Slam for 27 years, but his reign then came to a sudden halt, with so-called player power was touted as a reason behind Ruddock's departure.

The 47-year-old has recently assisted in coaching Mumbles Rugby Club, helping them to the Welsh Division Three South-West title.

But he is now poised for a move to the Premiership after previously being linked with some of Worcester's rivals, including Saracens.

Brain, meanwhile, masterminded Worcester's promotion as National League One champions to the Premiership, and Saturday's victory over Saracens ensured a fourth successive season in the top flight.

His departure has come as a bolt out of the blue to Warriors fans and Premiership followers in general, but it would appear Worcester have been tracking Ruddock for some time, and he was among the crowd when Warriors lost to Gloucester at Kingsholm two months ago.

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