Ruddock takes pragmatic approach to Ireland selection hopes

Rhys Ruddock is Ireland’s most recent Test captain and a winning one at that, yet the versatile back rower knows better than most that selection for the next international is never guaranteed.

Given the former Ireland U20 skipper earned his Test debut while still in the Leinster academy in the summer of 2010 and then didn’t get a second cap until March 2014, the back rower has learned to be patient.

Ruddock, 27 in 10 days, skippered a somewhat developmental Ireland team to three victories from three during the summer, once against the USA and twice in Japan.