Former Leinster, Ireland A and the current coach of Newport Gwent Dragons, Mike Ruddock, has been appointed Welsh National coach. Ruddock will take up the appointment at the end of this season's RBS Six Nations championship when Steve Hansen returns to New Zealand. The announcement made yesterday (Thursday), came as something of a surprise as it was believed that the position would be filled by the Llanelli Scarlets coach Gareth Jenkins.

Ruddock did not apply for the soon to be vacant position and in a recent interview said, " I would like to be Welsh coach at some stage. However I would like to spend three to six years with Newport Gwent Dragons and help create something that can be taken forward and developed. As well as the team being successful, I also want individual players to be successful and be capped for Wales."

However, that asperation was removed when the WRU approached Ruddock last Monday and not surprisingly, Ruddock answered Wales' Call.

Before he departed Wales with his Dragons side en route to Limerick and a Celtic League clash with Munster, the new Welsh coach said, "I am delighted to be offered this position as Wales national coach.

"I understand the challenges and I look forward to using the experiences I have gained in Wales and Ireland to good effect.

"The Welsh Union came knocking on my door and asked me to front up and, armed with the knowledge I had, I fronted up.

"I was also impressed with the make-up of the selection committee and I think there is a bright future for Wales. At this time, it's the right time for me. I was unsure of putting my name into the hat but this is as good a time as any and the opportunity was there. You've got to back yourself and believe in yourself to make a difference. I think I can that."