Ruddock led Wales to a first Grand Slam since 1978

The honour is for his work in leading Wales to their first Grand Slam since 1978 and will boost him as he navigates a troubled autumn international series.

Kathryn Morgan of Merthyr girls soccer won the female coach gong, Tom Meyer of Cardiff Athletics Club the volunteers.

James Munkley (Welsh EAD Table Tennis) won the disabled gong, Beverley Hopkins (Palmerston, Barry) the teachers.

It is the second time Ruddock has won the award, following the prize for his work with Swansea RFC back in 1992.

"Our Grand Slam success was testimony to the hard work and dedication that the squad and our coaches have put in behind the scenes over a number of years," said Ruddock's Grand Slam captain Gareth Thomas.

"The players owe a debt of gratitude to all the coaching staff including Mike, skills coach Scott Johnson, our defence coach Clive Griffiths and fitness coach Andrew Hore, as well as a long list of backroom staff.

"We welcome this reward as due recognition of the enormous contribution Mike has made as head coach to the collective success of this squad.

"I would like to congratulate him on behalf of the entire squad and backroom team as a worthy winner of this prestigious award."