Ruddock turns to coaching role just like his dad before
RHYS Ruddock is considering turning into a chip off the old block after trying his hand at coaching.
The Ireland and Leinster back row man may still have a few good years left on the playing front, but he is already casting an eye to his future by taking over the coaching reins at with the Lansdowne U20s team.
His father, Mike Ruddock, was a good enough flanker to play for Swansea and Wales B before a back injury cut short his full international ambitions. Then he turned into a top-quality coach.
He inspired Swansea to league and cup titles, as well as a win over Australia, had stints with the Dragons, Worcester Warriors and Ireland U20, and in 2005 coached Wales to a first Grand Slam in 27 years.
No pressure, then, for Ruddock junior on the coaching front. But he admits that he is taking his first tentative steps into a new world with his dad readily holding his hand and fielding “random calls” to discover how it was done.
“So far, so good, but then I am ringing him every week. After every session and every game, I’ll think of a new thing that I’m not quite sure of and so he is a great resource to have,” admitted the 30-year-old former Ireland skipper.
“He loves chatting to me about coaching and having his wisdom and advice is great. We never really used to talk about rugby all that much, we always tended to discuss other topics like music and general things.
“But now he’s getting random phone calls from me interrupting him – even when he’s on the golf course.”
Elder brother Ciaran, who used to play for Leinster and has been involved in the Ireland set-up as an S&C coach, will no doubt also be added to the list of specialists being chased for advice.
In the meantime, retirement is not on the agenda for Ruddock and by dipping his toe into the coaching pool at Lansdowne he will gain an idea of whether or not it is for him.
“I don’t know yet whether I want to go down the same route my old man did. We’ll have to wait and see,” added the 27-times capped Ruddock.
“I’m still enjoying playing rugby, but it’s a different feel to have this other side as well. It’s got me thinking about rugby a bit more broadly, how to solve various problems.
“It’s got my brain working a bit harder, which is a good thing, and I’m hoping it will benefit my own game.”