Ruddock describes the challenge

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has described his team’s four-Test autumn series as “key to the future of Welsh rugby”.

Ruddock, who took over as national coach from Steve Hansen in May, must prepare Wales for November clashes with new Tri-Nations champions South Africa and England’s summer conquerors New Zealand.

In addition, Ruddock’s men face Romania and Japan as they look to build on the summer tour of Argentina and South Africa.

The Romania and Japan games will take place on Friday nights following the South Africa match (November 6) and All Blacks clash (November 20).