Ruddock steps back into the fold

Mike Ruddock will take his first coaching post since his acrimonious departure from the Wales job in February, coaching a World XV against Saracens on Sunday, before helping Bob Dwyer take the Barbarians into battle against England on May 28.

Mike Ruddock: Back in part-time business

He will also coach a World XV in two matches against South Africa and Western Province in June, as the Springboks wind up for their Tri-Nations start and June Test series against Scotland.

Ruddock recently took a recruitment consultancy job with Acorn in Newport, but the company has given him a five-week leave of absence for the rugby appointments.

"It is an opportunity to dip my toe back in the water and see how things are on the other side of the fence, with the rugby side," Ruddock said to the BBC.

The Barbarians squad is expected to contain the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio, Justin Marshall, Bruce Reihana, Thomas Castaignede and Carlos Spencer.

"They are top-rate, quality rugby players, so it's nice to be able to work with that sort of calibre," Ruddock added.

"It's the first time I've been involved with a World XV or a Barbarian-type team, it's the first time I've been involved with Bob Dwyer, even though I've coached against him, so it's all good stuff."

However, Ruddock moved quickly to still any wagging tongues that might be thinking of a return to full-time coaching for the Grand Slam-winner.

"It's a bit premature to be talking about that," Ruddock said.

"I've been lucky enough to get the opportunity to start working in the commercial world, I'm enjoying that and hopefully can carry on for some time yet."