Ruddock pledges to stay with Leinster

Mike Ruddock will remain as Director of Coaching in Leinster following the decision of the Welsh Rugby Union not to appoint a successor to Kevin Bowring.

At a meeting of the WRU, chairman Glanmor Griffiths announced that Dennis John would be appointed caretaker coach for next month's Zimbabwe and South Africa expedition.

A new full-time coach will be appointed next month and it has emerged that two New Zealanders, Auckland chief Graham Henry, who was lined up as Jack Rowell's England successor last summer, and Gordon Hunter, assistant All Blacks coach to John Hart on their British tour six months ago, might both be interested.

In a statement released yesterday, Ruddock reaffirmed his commitment to the IRFU and the Leinster Branch, confirming that he will honour the remaining two years of his three-year contract. It is a decision that will meet with great approval as the affable former Swansea coach has been a popular and successful figure with Leinster.

Ruddock admitted: "I am very appreciative of the goodwill shown to me by the Leinster Branch ever since my name has been associated with the Wales coaching vacancy. Everyone respected my ambition to coach my country's national team and I appreciate the support shown to me.

"However, in fairness to Leinster, I am not prepared to wait until June for the Welsh Rugby Union to make up their minds, so I am very happy to confirm my commitment to Leinster and Irish rugby."

John Hussey, Chairman of the Provincial Management Committee enthused: "We are delighted that Mike Ruddock will be continuing the fine work he is doing for Leinster and Irish rugby. While we were happy to support him with regard to the Welsh coaching vacancy, we are very pleased that he is staying."

WRU chief Griffiths said: "Two Southern Hemisphere coaches have thrown their hats into the ring. They are big names who would come if offered the position."

Welsh rugby's inner sanctum will continue to trawl the world for Kevin Bowring's big-money successor, but John and his Pontypridd assistant Lyn Howells have been given immediate, short-term duties.

Bowring quit by mutual consent a fortnight ago following an ineffective 30-month reign when Wales lost eight Five Nations Championship matches and were mauled by New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

John, a former ambulance-man, has come to Wales' rescue for a six-match trip featuring Tests against Zimbabwe and South Africa, plus opponents such as Natal, the Emerging Springboks and Gauteng Falcons. If that wasn't daunting enough, Wales will leave on June 3rd without 16 injured and unavailable players.

Heading the casualty list are Scott Gibbs, Neil Jenkins, Gareth Thomas, Kevin Morgan, Nigel Walker, David Young, Andy Moore and Stuart Davies.

Wales have plugged the gaps by selecting 10 uncapped players: David Weatherley, Darril Williams, Garan Evans, Lennie Woodard, Richard Rees, Byron Hayward, Darren Morris, Ben Evans, Ian Gough and Chris Wyatt.

Some former regulars have been recalled. Richmond prop John Davies and Vale's ex-Hull, Warrington, Wales and Great Britain rugby league forward Mark Jones are among those rewarded for consistent club form this term. Jones won his last union cap eight years ago.

No announcement will be made about the tour captain until Monday week, leaving Wales' Five Nations' leader Robert Howley anxiously awaiting John's decision.

"I intend speaking to some of the more experienced players, Rob included, before deciding on the captain," John said. "It's an important job."

John masterminded Pontypridd's last season, in which they won the Welsh League and which saw then unluckily miss out on the Heineken Cup quarter-Finals following three thrillingly close encounters with then European champions Brive.

He added: "Both myself and Lyn like players who give 100 per cent, and I want them to go on tour and give it their best shot. There are a lot of very good players in Wales.

"I look upon my appointment as a big honour. I woke up this morning and thought `you are in the big time now'. It's a huge challenge, but one that myself, Lyn and the players must be positive about."

John recently left the health service and has agreed a full-time coaching contract at Pontypridd, although he admits that masterminding Wales' World Cup campaign as host nation next year holds huge appeal.

Wherever the WRU's coaching search ends, John has a heartfelt plea for his temporary employers, adding: "I hope the new coach is a Welshman."