MIKE Ruddock is looking forward to renewing old acquaintances with South Africa’s World Cup-winning coach Jake White after Worcester Warriors’ Guinness Premiership clash with Saracens tomorrow (3pm).

During his time at the helm of the Welsh national team, Ruddock crossed swords with White in the Test arena and admits he is looking forward to catching up over a post-match beer at Vicarage Road.

The Welshman said: “I’ve coached against Jake in the past when I was with Wales, so it will be nice to catch up with him for a beer afterwards and congratulate him on a World Cup win — hopefully it will be from a position of strength, though, as we’ve gained a victory.”

Sarries boss Eddie Jones was employed by White as a consultant during South Africa’s 2007 World Cup success and White has returned the favour by coaching at the club this week.

Ruddock added: “I’m sure the Saracens boys will have had a great lift after losing a couple of games to see the World Cup-winning coach in their dressing room.

“It will help their preparations and will be a very positive thing for them.

“To take on the might of Saracens with Eddie Jones and Jake White helping out will be a big battle for us — but that is a challenge we are looking forward to.

“It would be nice to get a win, but it’ll be pretty tough. Saracens have lost their last couple of games and we’re expecting a pretty severe backlash on their home soil.

“Saracens have got a lot of their internationals back now and missing them has been one of the key reasons why they’ve lost a couple of games recently.

“They’ve been missing some leaders who are back now and we’ve lost a couple of our significant players in Matt Jones and Chris Latham.

“That tips the scales in their favour and we’ll be going to Watford as underdogs, but that suits us and I’m sure the boys will give a good account of themselves.”