Welsh rugby was rocked tonight by the resignation of head coach Mike Ruddock with immediate effect after a hastily convened press conference at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales Rugby Union chief executive Steve Lewis fronted the announcement to confirm Ruddock cited family reasons for his departure, which comes just 11 months after he inspired Wales to their first Grand Slam triumph in 27 years.
"I can confirm I resigned today. It is for family reasons," said Ruddock. "I would like to thank the Welsh public, players and fans for all their support during my time as coach. It has been an incredible time."
Ruddock, 46, has been in charge for 20 Tests, of which Wales have won 13 including the 2005 Grand Slam and a first victory over Australia for 18 years.
Ruddock succeeded Steve Hansen in March 2004, though he did not apply for the job and was invited to make a presentation by the WRU. He inherited a side on the up but took them forward in leaps and bounds.
With Gareth Thomas as captain, Ruddock encouraged them to play open, attacking rugby and it brought great success. After narrow defeats to Australia and South Africa in the autumn of 2004, Wales finally picked off their major scalp with an 11-9 win over England.
That victory, secured by Gavin Henson’s long-range penalty, kick-started their Grand Slam campaign which included a stunning performance in Paris. The Grand Slam was secured with a victory over Ireland at the Millennium Stadium and Ruddock was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours for services to Welsh rugby.
Former Wales captain Ieuan Evans believes there must be something more to Ruddock’s departure than is yet known. He told BBC Wales: "Its strange and it’s baffling that it is now. We are not quite sure of the reasons behind it. Was anyone unhappy? Was he unhappy? Was the union unhappy about something that has happened?
"We are not sure about the issues behind this and obviously there are issues behind this."
But Evans praised the impact Ruddock has had on Welsh rugby. "He has empowered the players, which is a big step - the foundation was laid by Steve Hansen to get the basics right, but Mike Ruddock has given them the freedom to express themselves.
"But last season Wales definitely also improved in the tight, so Mike must take credit for that. Things move on very quickly in sport and you never know what is around the corner - and we certainly didn’t know what was around this corner!"
Ruddock signed a two-year deal when he took the Wales job and he was in the process of negotiating a new contract.
