Ruddock called up to join senior squad

Ireland U-20 Captain Rhys Ruddock has cut short his involvement in the Junior World Championships in Argentina after being called up to join the Ireland tour squad in New Zealand following injury to John Muldoon and Jamie Heaslip’s suspension.

“It was a huge surprise to me when Clarkie (Ireland U20 Coach Allen Clarke) came up to me and said that that I had been invited to join the tour," Ruddock said.

"My focus was very much on the next game in the Junior World Championships against Argentina and getting myself and the team ready for that, so this was an incredible honour for me and something I never expected.”

Ireland's U-20 squad were defeated in their opening two games against France and England in the IRB Junior World Championships in Argentina recently.

Meanwhile the senior squad were thrashed 66-28 by the All Blacks in New Plymouth on Saturday, with Heaslip subsequently banned for five weeks for striking New Zealand captain Richie McCaw twice with his knee in the one-off Test at Yarrow Stadium.

“My focus now is just to learn as much as I possibly can and make sure that I don’t let the opportunity pass me by," Ruddock added.

"I just want to train hard over the next couple of days and if the coaches feel they want me, I am ready to do whatever they need me to do.”