Ruddock family split down middle ahead of Celtic storm

DUAL nationalities and mixed loyalties are nothing new in international rugby where Pacific Islanders can play for England and an Australian lines out for Russia but spare a thought for the Ruddock family on Saturday.

When Ireland and Wales meet in Wellington’s famous ‘Cake Tin’ this weekend, Mike Ruddock and his clan will be suspended in some sort of emotional purgatory, their loyalties floundering somewhere in the middle of the Irish Sea.

Though coach of the 2005 Welsh Grand Slam-winning side, Ruddock Snr is at the helm of the Irish U20s while sons Ciarán and Rhys play with Leinster, have declared for Ireland but speak with an accent straight out of the Valleys.