Grand Slam winner Ruddock joins South Gower staff
TL;DR
Mike Ruddock, the Grand Slam-winning coach of Wales, has joined South Gower's staff in Division Two West Central. He previously led Wales to victory in the 2005 Six Nations and has a long coaching history across various clubs.
Key points
- Mike Ruddock joins South Gower staff
- Ruddock coached Wales to a Grand Slam in 2005
- He has a long coaching history in rugby
Mentioned in this story
Mike Ruddock helped Wales end a 27-year wait for Grand Slam in 2005 [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Grand Slam-winning Wales coach Mike Ruddock has joined the staff at Division Two West Central club South Gower.
Ruddock famously led Wales to a clean sweep of victories in the 2005 Six Nations during his two-year spell as national boss.
The 66-year-old's long coaching career has also included spells at Swansea, Leinster, Ebbw Vale, Newport Gwent Dragons and Worcester Warriors, as well as Ireland Under-20s, while he has been involved with Ospreys as a non-executive director role in recent years.
Ruddock joins South Gower as forwards and technical coach.
The club's director of rugby is former Wales lock Andy Moore, while fellow ex-Wales international Aled Williams has been named kicking coach.
"Community rugby is where the real spirit of the game lives," Ruddock told the club's website.
"South Gower has built something genuinely impressive over recent years, not just in results, but in creating a strong identity and pathway for players coming through the club.
"I'm looking forward to helping develop the technical side of the squad and supporting the next generation of players and coaches at South Gower RFC."
South Gower, a club based in the village of Bishopston, Swansea, are in the same division as Mumbles RFC, who recently announced that former Wales stars Alun Wyn Jones and James Hook were joining them as support coaches.
Q&A
What achievements did Mike Ruddock have as Wales coach?
Mike Ruddock led Wales to a Grand Slam victory in the 2005 Six Nations, ending a 27-year wait for the title.
Which clubs has Mike Ruddock coached during his career?
Ruddock has coached Swansea, Leinster, Ebbw Vale, Newport Gwent Dragons, Worcester Warriors, and the Ireland Under-20s.
What is South Gower's league status?
South Gower competes in Division Two West Central.