Duckworth will stand by Worcester if they suffer relegation

Worcester could be relegated from English rugby's top flight if they lose at Headingley.

It would effectively leave them facing the drop after six successive seasons as a Premiership club.

They have not won away in the league for a year, while Leeds's Headingley scalps this term include Wasps and Saracens. Five points adrift at the basement, Worcester's Premiership status is under threat like never before.

By the time they face local rivals Gloucester in their final game on May 8, the Warriors could be contemplating trips to Doncaster and Plymouth next season, rather than Leicester and Northampton.

But Duckworth, who has spearheaded a radical transformation at Sixways over the past 15 years, will remain with Worcester for the long haul.

"Obviously, we are all disappointed with where we find ourselves in the league," he said.

"But whatever happens to the club, I am totally committed to carrying the torch forward and onwards, making sure we learn from the experience of this season.

"The results have not gone as we would have liked over the last six seasons – we have not broken through to become a top-four side as we all wish.

"However, we are still one of the most successful clubs in the Midlands in what we have achieved over the last decade, and have a fantastic support which has grown amazingly over the last 15 years.

"We are well-known as having some of the best supporters in the land, both home and away, and I firmly believe that backing will grow when we are successful on the pitch.

Jimmy Gopperth's majestic display inspired Newcastle to an enthralling 32-30 victory at relegation rivals Sale to secure the visitors' place in next season's Guinness Premiership.

The Kiwi's inspirational kicking display secured the Falcons' fourth away win of the season, adding to his earlier try and Micky Young's effort.

Despite being billed as the biggest game in Sale's history, the home side faltered to leave the 2006 champions dangling dangerously over the precipice.

Newcastle edged the first of two mammoth relegation tussles over the next three days, with the Sharks plunged deeper into the mire going into the final game of the season. Although they got a losing bonus point, things could potentially get worse if Worcester win at Leeds.