Ruddock Shock Exit

By Andrew Collins
February 15 2006

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has announced his shock retirement as head coach of the national side. Giving 'family reasons' for his incredible departure, many believe the former N-G Dragons coach has alterior motives for his decision.

Having guided Wales to their first Grand Slam in 27 years 11 months ago, Ruddock was expected to be the man to take Wales to the 2007 World Cup. Though stalling contract negotions between Mike and the WRU over the last 9 months have worried fans, noone would've seen this shock announcment coming.

There are many possible reasons for his quick exit, some of them are listed below.

Family Reasons
The most unlikely story, Ruddock claimed committing to the 2007 World Cup would mean spending less time with his family and was too much to take on. If this is true, you have to wonder about his commitment to the squad and drive as a coach. Ruddock is a proud man and very competative, using family reasons as his excuse asks more questions than it answers.

Player Power
This is the one that has leaked first. Ever since Gavin Hensons controversial 'My Grand Slam Year' autobiograhy, ther has been a clear rift within the Wales camp. As recently as last week, player refused to do a press conference with Hensons 'shadow writter' Grahame Thomas in the vacinity. Why the players wanted such a fine coach out is questionable, and why he felt he had lost the changing room also seems un-useual.

Contractual Problems
Negotiations on Ruddocks new contract have been on-going since March last year, maybe they have broken down once and for all and the board feel it nessacery to relieve him of his duties as soon as possible to allow a new man in. It's unclear exactly why there were complications, but this would seem a plauseable exuse.

For the moment, Scott Johnsen will take over as head coach, and it's though he will now be enticed as the next man to lead Wales rather than going to Australia as expected. If he chooses not to stay, Llanelli Scarlets head coach Gareth Jenkins is also favourite having made the final two 18 months ago when Ruddock was installed as Welsh coach.

It's the first time in 6 Nations history a head coach has left his post mid-way through the tournament. How it effects the players will become clearer a week Saturday when Wales take on Ireland at Lansdowne Road for the first time under Scott's reign.

Being a Welsh rugby fan isn't easy, and stability is a word we don't seem to understand. What happens next we can only guess, but it would seem liekly that more news will spill in the comming weeks and months.