Wales ponder captaincy

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has thrown open the captaincy debate by saying that he is reviewing his options ahead of the autumn internationals.

Colin Charvis, the man in possession, is still very much in the frame, but he has always been a controversial skipper.

Ruddock says he wants to start with a fresh slate and decide on the best man to lead Wales towards the 2007 World Cup.

We take a look at the claims of the six leading candidates, Charvis, Martyn Williams, Stephen Jones, Gareth Thomas, Michael Owen and Jonathan Thomas.

Charvis is the man in possession and still has many supporters within the squad and Welsh rugby as a whole.

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Proved an inspiring and committed captain at the World Cup where he his world-class playing credentials were evident.

His move to Newcastle may have advanced his claims to continue, leaving him close enough to Wales to attend to his international commitments but free from accusations of regional bias.

However, Charvis remains a controversial figure. His uneasy relationship with the Welsh public was not helped by last summer's pay row, a dispute that has made him implacable enemies within the Welsh Rugby Union.

He may carry too much baggage, and at 31 is unlikely to be the man to lead Wales to the next World Cup.

Verdict: Ruddock's decision to open up the captaincy debate could spell the end of Charvis' reign

Williams has led his country in Charvis' absence in the last couple of years and was Hansen's choice as skipper for the 2003 World Cup - an honour he turned down as he felt he lacked the necessary experience.

Now 29, Williams has the maturity for the role and has proved a popular and inspiring captain of the Blues.

Although regarded as the leading openside in Wales (whatever the claims of young tyro Richie Pugh), Williams has been in and out of the national team as his speed has often been sacrificed for back-row bulk.

Ruddock left him out of the summer tour, but that could be seen as a long-term plan with Williams told to work on an effective pre-season.

Verdict: The time could be right for Williams to take the helm

Although apparently installed as his country's first-choice fly-half, like every Welshman to wear the No 10 jersey Jones has had his critics.

Jones brings experience, solidity and coolness to the position, but Ceri Sweeney, Nicky Robinson and Gavin Henson are serious contenders for his starting spot.

Also counting against Jones will be his move to Montferrand, and the fact that his composure has been rattled in major Heineken Cup games with Llanelli and the Scarlets.

The 26-year-old may not be seen as a certain starter in the three years leading up to the next World Cup.

Verdict: The outsider amongst the leading contenders

Thomas is perhaps the premier rugby player in Wales at the moment, shown by his move to Europe's leading side, Toulouse.

The 30-year-old is good enough to play anywhere in the three-quarters or at full-back and is guaranteed a starting spot.

Steve Hansen helped the transformation of 'Alfie' from talented individual to senior player, and he is popular and respected within the camp.

Colin Charvis showed last year that it was possible to combine playing in France with captaining Wales.

However, the situation is not ideal, and Ruddock may prefer a captain closer to hand and not under the direction of French club coaches.

Verdict: Playing in France may count against him

A surprise candidate, the 23-year-old has greatly impressed in the last year.

Viewed as a lock by Steve Hansen, Ruddock has preferred to play Owen in his favourite position of No 8 where he has looked like the long-term successor to Scott Quinnell.

Owen is seemingly guaranteed his place in the team, but the form of young players often swings in their early international years and he could find his No 8 jersey threatened by the emerging Ospreys sensation Ryan Jones.

The Dragons forward also has less experience of the media than the other candidates, and it may be thought better to allow him to concentrate on his game for the next few seasons.

Verdict: One for the future

Like Owen, the 21-year-old Thomas must be sen as a fringe contender.

The Ospreys forward exploded onto the international stage at last autumn's World Cup and has proved he has the physical and mental qualities for the job.

The youngster's experience of captaincy at club level is limited, though, and his position in the national team remains uncertain.

Thomas' long-term future could be at lock or in the back row, and without a locked-down place in the team, making him captain would be a huge gamble.

Verdict: Captaincy credentials, but give him a few years