Wales coach Ruddock resigns unexpectedly

Wales coach Mike Ruddock resigned unexpectedly today, only two games into the defending champions' Six Nations rugby championship campaign.

Ruddock, 46, who took Wales to their first Grand Slam since 1978 last year, had been negotiating a contract with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) which would have taken him through next year's World Cup.

In a statement on the WRU website after a hastily convened news conference at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Ruddock said he was resigning for family reasons.

"This has been a tough decision to make but I have decided to put my family first," he said,

WRU chief executive Steve Lewis said Ruddock had told him he would not seek to renew his contract at the end of the season.

"As a result it has been agreed between the WRU and Ruddock that he will stand down with immediate effect,"

Lewis said one of Ruddock's assistants, Australian Scott Johnson, would take over as head coach for the remainder of the championship."

Ruddock said he had taken his decision after talking to his family.

"I felt the intense build-up to next year's World Cup would mean more time away from my family. That is something which, on reflection, I would like to avoid," he said.

"Therefore I have taken the decision to stand down as national coach."

Ruddock, who took over from New Zealander Steve Hansen after the 2003 World Cup, was in charge for 20 tests, of which Wales won 13, including last year's Grand Slam.

Under Ruddock, the Welsh played with the freedom and imagination they appeared to have lost since their golden days in the 1970s and their Grand Slam triumph last year revitalised rugby in the principality.

"His place in Welsh rugby history is already assured for what he has done for Welsh rugby in such a short space of time," Lewis said.

"He will leave with our blessings and the heartfelt thanks of fans around the world."

In a rare feat for a departing coach, Ruddock leaves on a winning note. He's resigned just two days after his side's 28-18 Six Nations rugby victory over Scotland in Cardiff.

- REUTERS