Mike Ruddock has left Worcester © Getty Images

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Tournaments/Tours: Guinness Premiership

Teams: England | Worcester Warriors

Worcester boss Mike Ruddock has resigned in the wake of their relegation from the Guinness Premiership.

The former Wales coach, who led them to a Grand Slam in 2005, has been in charge at Sixways for the past three seasons after succeeding John Brain. His departure comes following a 12-10 defeat against Leeds last weekend, the result which condemned the Warriors to the drop after six seasons in the top flight.

Warriors academy manager Andrew Stanley will take over the running of the team for their final game of the season against Gloucester at Sixways on May 8.

"As director of rugby I take full responsibility for the situation we find ourselves in. Ultimately our inability to win close games has cost us dearly," Ruddock said. "I would like to thank the chairman, Cecil Duckworth, for his fantastic support during my time at the club. I am devastated that I have not been able to deliver the success both he and the fans at Sixways deserve.

"I am sure that the squad that has been put together for next season will bounce straight back up and that they will be even stronger for the experience."

Duckworth, who has bankrolled the club's Premiership quest, admitted that it was time for change after praising Ruddock's efforts in developing the club's young squad.

"The results this season have been incredibly disappointing and Mike has taken full responsibility for this," he said. "We will now look to take the club forward under new leadership. Throughout his time at the club, Mike has always strived to develop an infrastructure that will enable the club to continue to grow and develop an enterprising style of rugby that can be embraced by the coaches and players.

"I would particularly praise him for his tremendous efforts in guiding talented Academy players, such as Matt Mullan, Miles Benjamin, Tom Wood and Alex Grove, into the first team and onto international call-ups during his period at Warriors."