Mike Ruddock guided Wales to the 2005 Grand Slam

Mike Ruddock has been appointed as the new coach of the Ireland Under-20s.

The former Wales and Worcester coach takes over from Allen Clarke, who will focus on his role as the Irish Rugby Union's high performance manager.

Ruddock guided Wales to the 2005 Grand Slam and the IRFU described his appointment as a "significant coup".

The Welshman enjoyed a spell at Dublin club side Bective Rangers early in his coaching career and worked as Leinster director of rugby for three years.

Ruddock's sons, Rhys and Ciaran, have both played for the Ireland Under-20s.

Rhys captained the team to the 2010 Six Nations title before making his Test debut against Australia in the summer.

The new Ireland Under-20 coach described the age grade as "vital".

"The chance to work in Irish Rugby again was one I did not want to pass up on," added Ruddock.

"The focus with any underage team is trying to develop players and also trying to add a winning culture to the ones that pass through the team each year.

"A good part of my coaching career has been spent here in Ireland and with my own personal experiences through Ciaran and Rhys playing for the Under-20's, I feel I have a good understanding of the systems.

"I am really looking forward to getting involved to help develop young players."

Clarke will work with Ruddock but his focus will be on creating "the development pathways for underage players into professional rugby".

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