Thomas on Scrum V

Thomas claims that he had discussed any issues face-to-face with Ruddock and that the coach knew what the players talked about in the Lewis meeting.

But Ruddock - who meets the WRU board on Tuesday - seemed to contradict that.

"It was interesting to hear Gareth confirm that the players raised my name in the Lewis meeting," said Ruddock.

"I'd like to find out more on what that was about."

I want to discuss why the Grand Slam-winning coaching team of myself, Scott Johnson and Clive Griffiths all went into the Six Nations without contracts Mike Ruddock

Thomas had been at pains to stress that he had not questioned Ruddock's coaching ability, but that the coach was only one part of the team that had won the Grand Slam for Wales.

Ruddock has limited his reaction ahead of the showdown with the Union, but said that was a position he had always been keen to emphasise himself.

"I've always gone to lengths to make clear that while I was the head coach I give credit to the whole team of players and coaches for our achievements," Ruddock told BBC Sport Wales.

"I also want to wish the players the very best against Ireland next Sunday, I'm a passionate Welshman and I want to see the team winning and doing well."

Ruddock suggested that he will be seeking some hard answers from the WRU board on Tuesday.

"I want to discuss why the Grand Slam-winning coaching team of myself, Scott Johnson and Clive Griffiths all went into the Six Nations without contracts.

"That's especially so in the light of the departure of [former fitness coach] Andrew Hore last autumn.

"Anyone who has watched my career over the last 20 years will have trouble questioning my coaching CV."