MIKE Ruddock hopes to have found a solution to his prop problem by looking within the Worcester Warriors squad.

The Sixways director of rugby enthused over the display of academy tighthead Jack Gilding, who put on a man-of-the-match show in the 32-6 LV Cup triumph over Newcastle Falcons.

With a dearth of top quality, affordable tightheads available, Ruddock believes 21-year-old Gilding can become the natural successor to Tevita Taumoepeau.

He said: “I went into the dressing room after our Guinness Premiership defeat at Newcastle and told the players to avenge that loss.

“There were a number of areas that disappointed me greatly with that performance, although Miles Benjamin in particular was outstanding.

“This week, I went in the changing rooms and felt we played much better.

“I was pleased with the good result and we answered a lot of the questions that were asked of the players.

“But, in particular, I felt Jack was man-of-the-match for us.

“He is still learning and coming through but that was a big test for him to go 80 minutes against some very experienced players.

“We’re delighted as there are not many tightheads around so to see one of your own coming through and playing a big part in the game was very rewarding.”

Gilding was just one of a handful of Sixways academy products to shine in the bonus-point success, which was pleasing for Ruddock.

He said: “We had a number of guys out there who were from our academy and that didn’t escape me when I looked back at the game on the final whistle.

“People like Ollie Frost came on and scored a great try and Tom Wood got a try.

“You look through the team and we had Callum Black and Jack in the front row, Will Bowley in the second row and Jake Abbott in the back row with Woody.

“Frosty and George Crook came on too and, of course, people like Miles played.

“It is very rewarding to see our own guys coming through and really stepping up to the mark.

“They have got plenty of goals to achieve and have lots of inspiration at the moment.

“There is Matt Mullan, who has done so well and got into the Saxons squad, even though he is out injured at the moment, and Alex Grove has made the national squad for Scotland.

“It is great to see the guys going on and being recognised at international level.

“Hopefully, that will continue with a few more of these guys in the months and years ahead.”

See Monday's Worcester News for a competition to win tickets to see Warriors play Bath.