Ruddock calls in help from below (From Worcester News)

Ruddock calls in help from below

7:50am Saturday 13th March 2010 in

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CHAMPIONSHIP sides Moseley and Coventry will be sounded out for a mid-week training game to give the Worcester Warriors players some much-needed match practive.

Due to their elimination in the group stages of the LV= Cup, the Sixways side are without a competititve fixture this weekend and next.

Mike Ruddock’s men return to action with the huge home Guinness Premiership clash with Leicester Tigers on Saturday, March 27.

Although the players will benefit from a fortnight to re-charge their batteries ahead of what promises to be a full-on climax to the season, Ruddock is wary of ring-rustiness being a problem for the Tigers’ visit.

Therefore, the Warriors director of rugby is planning a training match with one of the local second tier sides to keep his players sharp.

He explained: “The players had Monday off, were then in on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before having a long weekend off before starting the prep for the Leicester Tigers game next weekend.

“There is a chance I might ask one of the local teams like Moseley or Coventry if they are interested in coming in and taking part in a training match against us next week. That is something I’ll look at.”

The Warriors chief is also banking on the Worcester faithful to turn out in force and play their part in taming the Tigers.

He added: “When I asked for our supporters to come out in numbers and help us before the Newcastle game, I wasn’t disappointed and they really helped the 50-50 calls to go our way for once. I don’t think they would have been disappointed that night and, if we can get the same level of support against Leicester, I don’t think they will go away disappointed either.”

Meanwhile, physio Ben Macdonald has reported a clean bill of health following the 14-11 defeat at Harlequins.

He said: “There are no more injuries other than a couple of bumps and bruises, so there are no repercussions for the Leicester game.

“Willie Walker is coming along nicely from his fractured hand and should be available.

“The break from playing has given (strength and conditioning coaches) Kier Hansen and Stuart Pickering the chance to get some real value out of their sessions.

“They can put more load on the players than they would in a game week.”