Ruddock a leading candidate for Irish job

Mar 21 2008 by Paul Abbandonato, Western Mail

MIKE RUDDOCK has emerged as a leading favourite to become Ireland coach following the departure of Eddie O’Sullivan.

The former Wales Grand Slam-winning coach is held in high esteem across the water after successful spells in charge of Leinster and Ireland A.

Ruddock last night found himself as part of an unofficial eight-man short-list of candidates after O’Sullivan’s resignation was accepted by the Irish Rugby Football Union on Wednesday night.

Also on the list are Munster’s Heineken Cup-winning coach Declan Kidney, Connacht’s Michael Bradley,World Cup winner Jake White, New Zealander Wayne Smith and a quartet of Australians – Alan Gaffney, Pat Howard, Matt Williams and Michael Cheika.

The Irish Rugby Football Union have begun an immediate search for O’Sullivan’s successor.

And Ruddock ticks many of the boxes they will be looking for as they weigh up the credentials of the right man.

Bookmaker William Hill installed Ruddock as No 2 in the pecking order, behind only former Leicester chief Howard.

Other bookies also had Ruddock high up on their betting lists as money started to be taken on the Welshman.

Ruddock has admirers in high places in the Emerald Isle and his Grand Slam success with Wales has proved he can do it at the highest level.

Ruddock is committed to Worcester and is in the middle of a relegation fight as the Warriors seek to climb away from the foot of the Guinness Premiership table.

However, it will be interesting to see what happens if Ireland do come in with an official approach.

O’Sullivan resigned following an abject World Cup and Six Nations showing by his team.

“Having given my role as head coach much consideration, I have come to the decision to step down,” said O’Sullivan.

“In doing so I would like to thank my management team and the players that I have worked with during my tenure as Irish coach.

“Their commitment and professionalism in representing their country has been consummate throughout.”

However, Ruddock hinted Ireland had under-achieved, when compared to the two Grand Slams won by Wales in recent years.

In an interview conducted before learning of O’Sullivan leaving his post, Ruddock told BBC Wales, “Even though Ireland have won Triple Crowns, they have not made an impact in a World Cup or nailed a Grand Slam.

“And you could argue this is their golden era as players like Shane Horgan, Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy are a once-in-a-career crop.

“They have had a certain amount of success, but you could argue they haven’t gone the whole way and crossed the line to the very top level.

“But Wales have won two Grand Slams and have a great opportunity for sustained success as they have a good and very young squad with a great coach.”

Ruddock has called upon the WRU to learn from their mistakes made under him and ensure the fresh Grand Slam success under Warren Gatland is built upon.

Ruddock, like Gatland, won the Six Nations clean sweep in his first season in charge of Wales. But he then left the job in controversial fashion and Ruddock warned that must not happen again.

“What could create difficulty is if it breaks up from within and the coaches don’t pull together. That certainly happened in 2005,” said Ruddock.

“The most important thing is the head coach has an opportunity to pick his own coaching team. Everyone must be pulling together in one direction.

“I think everyone has learned from 2005 and the WRU gave a vote of confidence for the coaching team.

“There seems to be harmony today because ultimately the head coach has got the coaches he wants on board to take the team forward.

“It’s important for the WRU to nail these people down for the foreseeable future. That didn’t really happen in 2005, but I’m sure lessons have been learned.”

Of Wales’ success, Ruddock said, “It hasn’t surprised me because they have a lot of fine players.

“Many were involved in 2005, but the younger players have given greater depth and quality to that squad.

“I’m talking about the emergence of James Hook, Alun Wyn Jones has developed superbly and Lee Byrne is a better player.

“Wales are a lot stronger squad than in 2005, but the question is why they didn't do well before?”