Mike Ruddock
Mike Ruddock
Mike Ruddock, OBEis a Welsh rugby union coach, currently coach of the Ireland Under-20 Rugby Union Team and Lansdowne FC . Ruddock was the Director of Rugby at the Worcester Warriors until his resignation on 28 April 2010. Previously, Ruddock was the coach of the Welsh national rugby union team from 2004 until February 2006 and Leinster Coach from 1997 to 2000...
capable chance demons dispel disposal ensure great high loss order players standards
The same 15 players have a chance to dispel the demons of that loss and show what they are really capable of. The players we have at our disposal are capable of great things and we are maintaining our high standards of preparation in order to ensure that great things are achieved.
agreement players prior regions stand starting test week
We have an agreement with the regions that a week prior to a Test the Welsh-based players in our starting XV stand down for their region.
deal issue player players questions raise reference structure support
With reference to questions of player power, if there were disaffected players I will raise the issue of any support structure that should have been in place to deal immediately and appropriately with the matter.
autumn competition develop players saw team toughest
With 12 players away we saw what players can do. It may not have been the toughest competition but the team did develop real cohesion and that will be important during the autumn series.
best games given group injuries interest mindset players possible protect withdrawn
It's in my interest to protect the group as best I can. That's the mindset down in Wales, and all the more so given the injuries we've had. So the players will be withdrawn from games this weekend. That's to give us the best possible chance.
answer coaches confirm contracts directors grand hear involved issue meeting name nations opportunity players questions raised six steve three
It was interesting to hear Gareth confirm that the players raised my name in a meeting with Steve Lewis. I would like to find out more on what that was about. I will use the opportunity during my meeting with the directors to answer any questions they may have and I will raise the issue of why it was that we went into the Six Nations without having in place contracts for any of the three coaches involved in the grand slam.
ankle few hoping injuries next pick players problems settle team thighs
As well as the players with ankle problems there's also a few soft-tissue injuries to calves, thighs and the like, so we're hoping they settle down before we pick the team for next weekend.
barrel gun players stared
I didn't tell them anything at half-time because those players have stared down the barrel of a gun before.
confirm family fans incredible players support thank time welsh
I can confirm I resigned. It is for family reasons. I would like to thank the Welsh public, players and fans for all their support during my time as coach. It has been an incredible time.
few last might sides surprised
We might have surprised a few sides last year,
expected game struggle together
We expected a struggle to get our game together after so little preparation, but didn't expect that,
weapon
The scrum is a big weapon and it got us back in the match,
biggest bit cup england game massive perhaps pressure puts since stated
England have stated this is a massive game for them, their biggest since the World Cup final. Perhaps that puts them under a bit more pressure now to deliver.
england foreign gone guess imported input obviously physical route sort super tremendous wales
England have obviously gone a different route because they have a tremendous physical team. With Wales we couldn't do the same sort of thing so we reacted differently. I guess it was the input of so many foreign heads. They imported a sort of Super 12 philosophy.