Ruddock: Great Irish model will fuel more success

Mike Ruddock has lauded the Irish professional rugby model as being close to perfection and predicts there is ‘more to come’ as Joe Schmidt’s side bid to claim more silverware.

Brian O’Driscoll may have hung up his international boots but former Welsh Grand Slam winning coach Ruddock, now the Ireland U20 boss, has no fears for the future given the talent at Schmidt’s disposal.

“Joe (Schmidt) has done a wonderful job already but there is more to come. Yes, Brian’s departure is likely to be felt, but it should be pointed out that Ireland achieved a championship win this season without other big names, the likes of Tommy Bowe, and Sean O’Brien who was European Player of the Year. It shows the strength of Irish rugby that whoever Joe was picking was able to step up to the mark and do a great job.”