Ruddock waits on Wales offer

Leinster coach Mike Ruddock is expected to make a decision before the weekend on an offer from Ebbw Vale. The Welsh club, with the financial support of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is prepared to offer a four year deal to take over at Eugene Cross Park.

Part of the attraction for the Welsh born Ruddock is not alone the four year option but that the WRU are believed to want him to take over as Wales A coach in conjunction with his duties at Ebbw Vale. The WRU meet tonight to discuss the Ruddock situation and the financial details of the offer are to be finalised.

Ebbw Vale has already made overtures to the former Swansea and Bective Rangers coach but yet to confirm their interest with a solid offer. Ruddock met with the IRFU on Monday afternoon and was offered a continuation of his contract with Leinster, which expired at the end of last season. It is the number of years offered that may prove a stumbling block as Ruddock has already stated his desire to remain at the helm in Leinster.

Better news for the province is that former Irish international scrumhalf Brian O'Meara has joined Leinster. Third choice for European Cup finalists Munster last season, O'Meara initiated the move which has been agreed. He will take over from Clontarf's New Zealander Stu Forster. O'Meara will still play his club rugby with Cork Constitution.

Five times capped Australian born Ireland wing Matt Mostyn has agreed a two year deal with Welsh club side Newport. Mostyn will leave Galwegians and Connacht for the progressive Welsh outfit which now boasts 10 internationals including former South African captain Gary Teichmann, Jason Jones Hughes, Shane Howarth and Rod Snow.

Connacht will also lose hooker Bernard Jackman who has agreed a deal with Manchester Sale. He links up with his former provincial coach Glenn Ross.

Ulster confirmed the signing of three new players. Former Australian international utility player Ryan Constable joins from Saracens, prop Clem Boyd returns from Bath while another Aussie Brad Free, formerly of Saracens and Bective Rangers, has taken up a contract. He received the all-clear following a neck operation which sidelined him for most of last season.