RUGBY SHORTS

LEICESTER interim head coach Geordan Murphy was left frustrated after his team were stunned 44-37 at home to Worcester yesterday. ‘We were very poor today,’ said the Kildare man. ‘We gave Worcester too much of a start, we were still in the changing room and found ourselves three scores down at halftime. We’re talking the talk, but we’re not walking the walk.’

JOE MARLER has withdrawn from England’s three-day training camp in Bristol for personal reasons, the English Rugby Football Union said yesterday announced. The Harlequins prop was due to link up with the 36-man party on Sunday but his place will now be taken by Exeter’s Ben Moon.

DECLAN KIDNEY’S London Irish made it three wins from three yesterday with a bonus point 29-20 victory over Bedford in the English Championship. The result leaves the Exiles third in the table with a game in hand behind Ealing and leaders Cornish Pirates.

MICHAEL CHEIKA has received the backing of the Australian union but it is understood the under-fire coach has been told to seek some outside help. George Gregan, the former Wallaby captain and No9, is said to be in the frame to come in as an adviser but the ARU say no change will take place until after the Rugby Championship.

SARACENS boss Mark McCall singled out ‘incredible’ Owen Farrell after their 38-15 home win over Gloucester, with the out-half totally outplaying opposite number Danny Cipriani. ‘Owen was incredibly influential today,’ said McCall.