Ruddock takes reins of Irish Under-20s

MIKE Ruddock has been appointed as the new coach of the Ireland Under-20s.

The former Wales and Worcester boss takes over the reins from Allen Clarke, who will focus on his role as the Irish Rugby Union's high performance manager.

Ruddock enjoyed a spell at Dublin club side Bective Rangers early in his coaching career, and he worked as Leinster director of rugby for three years before guiding Wales to the 2005 Grand Slam.

The IRFU described Ruddock's recruitment as a "significant coup".

Ruddock's sons, Rhys and Ciaran, have both played for the Ireland Under-20s. Ruddock said: "The importance of this age grade level is vital and the chance to work in Irish Rugby again was one I did not want to pass up on."