Warriors plan for future despite precarious position

Worcester chief Mike Ruddock did not dismiss speculation linking the Warriors with a move for England international Andy Goode following his team's deflating 37-13 defeat at Bath.

The former Leicester and Saracens fly-half is currently with South African Super 14 side Natal Sharks, but he could become a Worcester player, especially if they retain their Premiership status.

That is far from certain though, given Worcester's plight. They are just one point above bottom club Leeds Carnegie, having gone almost five months since their last league win, while flanker Tom Wood faces a ban following his second-half dismissal against Bath.

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Wood's second yellow card offence cost Worcester dear as Bath scored three tries after he departed to confirm a fourth league triumph in succession.

As for Worcester's survival battle, Ruddock added: "It is a dogfight for a number of teams, not just us, and we have to make home advantage count in the run-in.

"Leeds away (on April 25) is a big game, but nothing has really changed in that respect."

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder will reflect on "a bad day at the office" after Saints suffered their first Premiership defeat since October.

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A 13-6 reversal at Harlequins, despite the presence of England squad members Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and Courtney Lawes, left Mallinder offering no excuses.

"We didn't turn up – we played badly," he admitted.

"We got outmuscled and simply did not deserve to win. We had a bad day at the office, but we will go away and work hard this week to get back to doing the things we do well."

"It is not for us to suggest who will finish bottom of the Premiership, but it won't be Quins," said head coach John Kingston.

"If we can carry on coping while our lads are away on international duty, I believe we will kick on during the last six or seven league games."

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Champions Leicester continued their ominous progress towards a potential successful title defence by crushing Welford Road visitors Gloucester 33-11. Tigers are now unbeaten in 28 home games after Toby Flood's 18-point haul eased them to victory on the back of tries by Lote Tuqiri, Geordan Murphy and Ben Youngs.

London Irish are still without a win in any competition since December 27, but a 12-12 draw at Newcastle keeps them firmly among the play-off contenders.

Melbourne-bound Danny Cipriani steered Wasps up to fourth with a hat-trick of penalties in a disappointing London derby at Adams Park.