THE last week was always going to mark a defining moment for Worcester Warriors but few of us could have imagined the speed and the scale of transformation.

Just six days ago, the club was facing the distinct possibility of a return to National Division One but fans are now being told the sky is the limit as we look forward to a brand new era under Mike Ruddock.

Is this the start of an assent up the Guinness Premiership table, culminating in Heineken Cup qualification and a challenge for the title, or a false dawn?

All the early signs are good. Ruddock has excellent coaching credentials and the profile and charisma to attract top players to Sixways.

The Wales side he led to Grand Slam glory two years ago played with an exhilarating sense of adventure and he hopes to adopt a similar approach with his new charges.

"There is no doubt I would like us to play open rugby," said Ruddock. "Obviously there has got to be a balance. We can't lose the forward power that Worcester have exhibited superbly. However, the best teams wouldn't rely on that in itself.

"They would be looking at knowing when to open games up and knowing when to close games down. Worcester have started to exhibit that superbly over the last few games of the season and we have got to try to carry that forward. I will be encouraging the players to pass into space."

How far Ruddock takes the club could hinge on his ability to perform the kind of balancing act he alludes to.

Since first being sounded out by at the end of the year, Ruddock has had plenty of time to analyse Worcester's performances and cannot have helped but notice the togetherness which has bound this team these last few months and enabled them to pull off a remarkable escape.

Understandably, the new director of rugby wants to start with a blank sheet of paper but those who witnessed Saturday's astonishing scenes will hope the same never-say-die spirit is still a feature of the new regime.

Whatever the shortcomings of John Brain, there was no lack of loyalty shown in him by his players. Ruddock will not want to undermine the harmony within the dressing room by bringing in anyone who upsets the team ethos.

But he is nobody's fool and has already held lengthy talks with captain Pat Sanderson. As a former back-row forward himself, Ruddock will be aware of Sanderson's importance as both player and skipper and will want him at his inspirational best - just as he was against Saracens.

A number of players were apparently shocked and upset by Brain's departure but, once the dust settles, their professional instincts are sure to take over and they will no doubt become willing disciples of the Welshman.

My own opinion, for what it's worth, is that Ruddock will get the balancing act right. There might be some blood on the carpet before the season starts but, if he can marry the character of the set of players he inherited with his own brand of swashbuckling rugby - we could be in for quite a treat.