Johnson Pledges Future to Wales

By Lestyn
April 30 2004

Gérard Depardieu look a like and Wales skills’ coach Scott Johnson has ended speculation about his future by pledging himself to Mike Ruddock’s new coaching team.

Johnson, was a strong contender to make up part of Eddie Jones’s Wallaby backroom staff, but declined the opportunity to move back to his home land, instead opting to remain in Wales.

Under Johnson’s tenure, Wales’ skill has gone up quite a few levels, even in the forwards.

With Steve Hansen departing as head coach, there had been fears that Johnson would leave also, but Johnson is sticking around, even relishing the opportunity to continue where he left off in the Six Nations.

"I'm back, and it is business as usual from here on in," said Johnson.

"I can't wait to get back to talking about rugby and working hard with the squad, and I am looking forward to establishing a strong working relationship with Mike." Playing down fears of a perceived personality clash with the incoming coach.

Ruddock is expected to announce Clive Griffiths’s return as defence coach, the final jigsaw of his coaching team, which will also contain fitness guru Andrew Hore, who has played a vital role alongside Johnson.

"Scott and Andrew have done a great job and achieved a lot over the last two years, and I will hopefully be able to bring some of my own experiences into the set-up now and enhance the team's performance," said Ruddock.

"We are also just a week or so away from appointing our defence coach, who will be the final piece in the jigsaw and a key member of the team."