Mike Ruddock's departure as Wales coach was prompted by the Welsh Rugby Union's decision to suspend contract negotiations - not his - according to The London Times.

Ruddock was allegedly not paid the £20,000 bonus he was owed for leading Wales to the RBS 6 Nations Championship last year, despite the players being given theirs.

In spite of leading Wales to their first major trophy for 27 years, Ruddock stepped down this week amid speculation about his relationship with players and officials deteriorating. Ruddock denied such suggestions.

He cited family and personal reasons for his decision, claiming he had called off contract talks which resulted in the WRU asking him to step down immediately.

However, a letter to Ruddock's solicitors from WRU chief executive Steve Lewis dated February 8th, after England beat Wales in the opening Six Nations match, was published in The Times on Friday.

"We want Mike...to concentrate fully on the Six Nations title. Contract negotiations will be a major distraction in this critical period. As a result, we wish to inform you that we are suspending negotiations in connection with the new contract until the completion of the Six Nations."

A statement from Ruddock on Wednesday said: "After consultation with my family, I have made the decision to stand down as national coach. I have decided to withdraw from contract talks to take Wales to the 2007 World Cup in France. This has been a tough decision to make but I have decided to put my family first."