Warren Gatland reveals talks to convince Ireland forward to switch Test allegiances
Wales head coach Warren Gatland during the 2024 Guinness Men's Six Nations Launch at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. Plus Leinster flanker Rhys Ruddock.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has confirmed interest in Leinster and Ireland forward Rhys Ruddock.
Ruddock has been out of the selection frame for Ireland since 2021 and will shortly be eligible to switch Test allegiances if he wishes.
Wales target Ruddock
The 33-year-old last played for Ireland during the 2021 Six Nations against France on February 14 and could be offered a route back to international rugby with Wales.
While Ruddock was born in Ireland, he did play for Wales at youth level and is the son of former Wales international Mike Ruddock.
He could now take advantage of World Rugby’s eligibility rules, which state that a player can switch allegiance three years after their final appearance. This rule allowed Jean Kleyn to represent South Africa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup along with the likes of Tonga’s George Moala, Israel Folau and Vaea Fifita, among others, for Samoa.
“We understand that he is available at some stage during the tournament,” Gatland told RTE Sport at the launch of the Six Nations.
Easing Wales’ back-row concerns
The 27 Test cap flanker has played just three of Leinster’s nine United Rugby Championship fixtures this season, but Gatland is not concerned over his lack of game time and confirmed that he could call on the veteran for the latter rounds of the Six Nations.
“Given his age, he is not playing a lot or starting a lot for Leinster. But we know what a quality player he is,” added Gatland.
“He made his decision a number of years ago in terms of his allegiance with Ireland, and we respect that, but we have had a couple of conversations about him, and we have spoken to his Dad as well, and we understand that he is potentially available going forward.”
Ruddock could ease Wales’ back-row concerns with Jac Morgan, Taulupe Faletau, Christ Tshiunza and Taine Plumtree all ruled out for the entire Six Nations campaign.
He could even make his Test debut against Ireland in the third round of the championship, with Gatland’s side taking Scotland and England in the opening two games.
