MIKE Ruddock has called on his Worcester Warriors to send out a statement of intent and repay the travelling army of fans when they face Bourgoin in the European Challenge Cup tonight (7.30 GMT).

Warriors travel to France looking to take complete control of pool three with an away day victory.

Director of rugby Ruddock is also keen for a response after defeat at Saracens in the Guinness Premiership last time out with a vocal army of fans set to back the Warriors. He said: “I have told the players I want our own backlash after suffering at the hands of Saracens last week.

“We had a couple of good wins but then dropped our standards last week. I am now expecting a statement of intent and a backlash from the Warriors. We will have some great support over there and a few hundred people are going.

“We are keen to see that sort of support and we want to give them plenty to cheer.”

Ruddock admits the Bourgoin team his side will face will be a stiff physical test and will be fired up.

He added: “It is a big game for us and even bigger for Bourgoin.

“It will be tough out in France in the way it was last year when we went to Montauban.

“That galvanised the squad and pulled us tightly together. We got a great win over there and it set us up for some good results.”