Former Wales boss Mike Ruddock has stepped down as director of rugby at Worcester following the club's relegation from the English Premiership.
Ruddock, who guided Wales to the Six Nations title and Grand Slam in 2005, has been in charge of the Warriors for three seasons.
But his resignation became inevitable when a 12-10 defeat by Leeds at the weekend guaranteed that the club's six-year stay in the top flight would come to an end.
Worcester academy manager Andrew Stanley will be in charge for the final league game of the season, at home to Gloucester on May, but former Gloucester boss and England number eight Dean Ryan is being tipped as Ruddock's permanent replacement.
Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth praised Ruddock's role in promoting entertaining rugby and developing young talent, but added: "The results this season have been incredibly disappointing, and Mike has taken full responsibility for this.
Worcester won just three league games all season, but their signings for next season include former England fly-half Andy Goode, Northampton flanker Neil Best and the talented Toulon full-back Luke Rooney.
Ruddock admitted: "Ultimately, our inability to win close games has cost us dearly.
"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."
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
