Mike Ruddock Players Quotations

We have an agreement with the regions that a week prior to a Test the Welsh-based players in our starting XV stand down for their region.

With 12 players away we saw what players can do. It may not have been the toughest competition but the team did develop real cohesion and that will be important during the autumn series.

The same 15 players have a chance to dispel the demons of that loss and show what they are really capable of. The players we have at our disposal are capable of great things and we are maintaining our high standards of preparation in order to ensure that great things are achieved.

With reference to questions of player power, if there were disaffected players I will raise the issue of any support structure that should have been in place to deal immediately and appropriately with the matter.

It's in my interest to protect the group as best I can. That's the mindset down in Wales, and all the more so given the injuries we've had. So the players will be withdrawn from games this weekend. That's to give us the best possible chance.

I didn't tell them anything at half-time because those players have stared down the barrel of a gun before.

As well as the players with ankle problems there's also a few soft-tissue injuries to calves, thighs and the like, so we're hoping they settle down before we pick the team for next weekend.

It was interesting to hear Gareth confirm that the players raised my name in a meeting with Steve Lewis. I would like to find out more on what that was about. I will use the opportunity during my meeting with the directors to answer any questions they may have and I will raise the issue of why it was that we went into the Six Nations without having in place contracts for any of the three coaches involved in the grand slam.

I can confirm I resigned. It is for family reasons. 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.