As Wales revelled in the glow of a rugby renaissance, little could we have imagined Ruddock would depart just 11 months later ...

Wales Grand Slam winner Tom Shanklin says the Welsh Rugby Union should be embarrassed by what has played out in recent months ...

Mike Ruddock's Wales wore Brains and - in France - Brawn on their jerseys and used both to beat England, Italy, France, Scotland and then Ireland to end a 27-year wait for a Grand Slam.

He did not initially apply, having been twice overlooked, but just when it was assumed the job would go to Llanelli's coach Gareth Jenkins, the WRU persuaded ... their first grand slam in 27 ...