Ryan is favourite for Worcester job

(GETTY IMAGES)

Dean Ryan is the favourite to succeed Mike Ruddock as director of rugby at relegated Guinness Premiership club Worcester.

Ryan, 43, has not worked in English rugby's top flight since he left Gloucester last June. But the former No 8 is believed to be top of Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth's list as a replacement for Ruddock, who has resigned with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, Premier Rugby will not comment on any individual cases following allegations made by Wasps owner Steve Hayes, who has claimed one unnamed Guinness Premiership club could be investigated for salary cap abuse.

"I've no hard evidence, just common sense," Hayes said. "You look at what's happening and what one club have been doing. I think they're going to have a challenge." The Premiership salary cap is £4m per club, per season.