Ruddock to step down as U20s coach
Mike Ruddock is to step down from his role as Ireland Under 20 head coach, the IRFU has said in a statement.
Ruddock has coached the squad for the past four seasons. Under his leadership, the team has moved up the world rankings and achieved a fourth place finish at the last Junior World Cup in Auckland, Ireland's best ever finish at a Junior World Cup.
Connacht Rugby's Nigel Carolan will now undertake the coaching requirements of the team, and will retain his role at Connacht.
Ruddock said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Ireland under 20 team and it has been very rewarding. In particular our performances on the world stage have been extremely competitive and I am pleased to be able to hand over the reins knowing that the Ireland under 20 team is now a top 4 World Ranked Nation.
"It has been difficult trying to juggle the ever-increasing demands of the age grade programme whilst coaching Lansdowne FC in the Ulster Bank League and now it's time to concentrate on trying to add another UBL title to the one we won in 2013."
