Former Leinster coach Mike Ruddock has been, somewhat surprisingly, named as the man to replace Steve Hansen as Wales coach. Ruddock, currently coach of Gwent Dragons, has secured the job ahead of hot favourites Gareth Jenkins and Mark Evans.
"When the Union asked me on Monday to make a presentation, I was excited by the opportunity," said Ruddock after his appointment. "It is certainly something I have always wanted to do, and it is something I want to do my best at. Hopefully, there will be an improvement in all aspects of the professional game."
Ruddock revealed that he has not ruled out trying to tempt Welsh stars Scott Quinnell and Rob Howley out of international retirement. "There is every chance that I might speak to Scott Quinnell and Rob Howley to see what their situation is like."
"Whether they are able to consider it (a return to international rugby) having retired for family reasons, I do not know, but I think I ought to phone them up and have a chat," added the new Wales coach.
Ruddock's first playing assignment is scheduled for this summer, when Wales tour Argentina and South Africa. Current team manager Alan Phillips will remain in his post, with Australian Scott Johnson staying as skills coach and Andrew Hore as conditioning coach.
Llanelli Scarlets coach Jenkins and Harlequins boss Evans were believed to be the sole contenders, but Ruddock has emerged on the rails to tip them at the post.
Ruddock is a former Wales A coach and was assistant Wales coach to Alec Evans during the 1995 World Cup in
South Africa. He also enjoyed successful spells with Swansea and a three year spell in charge at Donnybrook.
Hansen will step down after the RBS 6 Nations Championship - Wales have games against England and Italy to come - to be New Zealand assistant coach under current All Blacks coach and former Wales supremo Graham Henry.