The chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, Steve Lewis, says he is unaware of any dressing room unrest that could have played a role in coach Mike Ruddock’s sensational decision to quit last night.

"I am not aware of any (unrest) in the camp," Lewis told BBC radio today. "I received no documentation from any player regarding dissatisfaction with Mike Ruddock and I’ve not had any meetings with any players.

"I’m not aware of any unease in the camp about Mike’s coaching. But it is just part of the dynamic of professional sport that there are always times when people are not happy."

Ruddock - who led Wales to an historic Six Nations Grand Slam last year - said he was leaving for family reasons, effective immediately.

But former Wales captain Ieuan Evans believes there must be something more to Ruddock's departure than is yet known.

"Its strange and it's baffling that it is now," Evans said last night. "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."

Assistant coach Scott Johnson will be in charge for the Ireland game in Dublin on Sunday week.

Speaking at a press conference last night, Lewis said:  "Mike's announcement, and the timing of it, has obviously come as a shock and will be a blow to Welsh rugby as a whole.

"It is public knowledge that we have been in contract negotiations with Mike for some time in order to agree an extension through to the 2007 Rugby World Cup and beyond.

"As a result of Mike's decision it has been agreed between us that it would be inappropriate for both him, and for the team itself, for him to continue to prepare the team for the remaining games in the Six Nations and I have asked Scott Johnson to assume that responsibility for the games against Ireland, Italy and France."