Wales coach Mike Ruddock says he is considering replacing Colin Charvis as national skipper. Debate is raging over who will lead Wales in the autumn, with Charvis, Stephen Jones, Martyn Williams and Gareth Thomas the leading contenders.
"There are three or four candidates, with Colin obviously in a strong position," Ruddock told BBC Sport.
"It's time to look afresh. We are beginning a journey that will hopefully take us to the 2007 World Cup."
Youngsters Michael Owen and Jonathan Thomas are the other names thought to be in contention for the skipper's armband.
Charvis has been a controversial captain ever since his initial appointment by Steve Hansen in April 2002.
 | CHARVIS' CAPTAINCY |
He was stripped of the role following Six Nations defeat in Italy in 2003, but was back in place for last autumn's World Cup where his leadership won praise. He angered many in the Welsh Rugby Union on last summer's tour of Argentina and South Africa, though, by refusing to carry out media duties because of a pay dispute.
Welsh rugby pundit Gwyn Jones, a long-time critic of Charvis, has renewed calls for a change of leadership, but the skipper has found support elsewhere in the media from the likes of Jonathan Davies.
|  We want a rounded individual who is on form, confident and has the respect of his peers |
Ruddock insists that the captaincy decision will be made on merit, though, and that he will not be swayed by external pressures. "There will be no interference from the WRU in team selection or captaincy decisions," said Ruddock.
"The most important thing is to look at the form of players and see who is in the team - you don't put the cart before the horse.
"We have to make the right decision and find a man who will lead by example on and off the field.
 Gareth Thomas is a captaincy contender |
"We want a rounded individual who is on form, confident and has the respect of his peers. "He also has to be able to make the right tactical decisions under pressure and in the heat of battle."
It has been suggested that Ruddock will initiate an interview process amongst the captaincy contenders before making his decision.
"That is one option open to me," said the coach. "I am considering it, but have not decided yet."
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