Williams succeeds Ruddock in Leinster

Matt Williams has been appointed director of rugby in Leinster, succeeding Mike Ruddock. Australian Williams, a former New South Wales coach was originally brought to the province for a limited period last season but his tenure was extended after revolutionised the province's backplay.

He was prevailed upon to return this season to once again link up with Ruddock and agreed a one-year contract. In the past week Ruddock, linked with a return to Wales, received a concrete offer from Welsh club Ebbw Vale, a four-year deal.

However his motivation to return home was unquestionably the Welsh Rugby Union's input into the arrangement whereby they offered Ebbw Vale financial assistance and Ruddock, a three year stint as Wales A coach.

The former Bective Rangers and Swansea coach conceded that security of employment at this juncture of his career was a big factor.

Ruddock met the IRFU last week but was reputedly offered only a one-year contract. He stated that he would have preferred to stay with Leinster and a team he considered laden with potential but felt that he had to consider his family and security of tenure.

The Leinster squad players have been back in training over the past two weeks with Ruddock but it will be Williams who will pick up the gauntlet when he returns from Australia.