WORCESTER Warriors boss Mike Ruddock has revealed his team is ready to deliver when the new Guinness Premiership season kicks off against Northampton Saints.

Worcester travel to Franklins Gardens on Sunday (1.30pm) to face Saints in front of a capacity crowd and live audience watching the televised around the globe.

Director of Rugby Ruddock has been pleased with his new-look squad in a pre-season that has seen them go four games unbeaten.

And now he has called for his Warriors to step up to the mark on the opening day and start the new campaign in flying fashion.

“I’ve been pleased with the way the boys have come together, preparations have been really good. Obviously with players like Chris Latham joining the club it’s given us a boost. We go into the first game in good shape,” he said.

“In terms of pre-season, it’s always a case of finding the balance of enough games and the right quality and not getting bashed up to leave you short when you have a small squad going into the first five league games. I think we’ve got it right. Everyone has got game time and the acid test was Ulster in their own patch and getting a victory.

“Last season I think we underestimated how tough the start of the season can be. We’ve had 12 months to shape the squad and get things right. Now and we’re very optimistic and now we need to deliver on the field.

“The test will be a game away from home, particularly against a team like Northampton. I’m sure they are very keen to get into a flying start and show people that they are back big time but we’re hoping we can get a result.”

Speculation is mounting as to Ruddock’s starting line-up and who will take the No.10 jersey but the Sixways boss remains tight-lipped.

“We’re blessed with some good options with Loki Crichton playing some top class rugby and Joe Carlisle who has played well in the warm-up games,” he said.

“We’re very pleased with Matthew Jones, not too many people know much about him, but I’ve been tracking him for quite some time ever since my Welsh coach days when he was capped against Canada. We have looked closely at him and we are very comfortable about picking him if that is the decision we make.

“Northampton Saints have made a lot of new signings and changes in personal. They look a very strong outfit and got a lot of talent to pick from. We’ve done our homework on them, we even sent coaches out to France to see them, we needed to do that because we need to pay them the respect they are due."