Mike Ruddock could step back into professional rugby with Swansea

The former Wales coach is understood to be top of the Welsh Premiership side's list of candidates to succeed Tony Clement at St Helen's next season.

Clement has announced he is to stand down at the end of the season after four years in charge.

Ruddock departed the Wales job 13 months ago after leading Wales to the RBS Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005.

Despite Wales' first Grand Slam since 1978, things turned sour for Ruddock as national coach and he took a complete break from rugby.

But the 47-year-old, who has previously been linked with the Ospreys, recently returned to the game as assistant coach with local club Mumbles.

I think the time is right for me to reassess my options Departing Swansea coach Tony Clement

A return to Swansea would bring Ruddock firmly within the Ospreys' regional umbrella should the Liberty Stadium side opt for a management shake-up at the end of the season.

Before the introduction of regional rugby in Wales, Ruddock led Swansea to two league titles and a Welsh Cup, as well as a famous win over the Australia side that toured in 1992.

Clement's decision to stand down brings to an end the former Wales full-back's 20-year link with the club.

"It is time for someone else to take over," Clement said.

"The four seasons have been tough because you are trying to develop players in a dog-eat-dog division, but I have got a lot out of the experience.

"It is great when you see youngsters going on to make a success of themselves, not only at regional level but at international level as well.

"I have been fortunate in that I have had a good support from people such as (forwards coach) Keith Colclough, (fitness chief) Alex Lawson and (team manager) Ian Hopkins, plus (managing director) Roger Blyth, who gave me the opportunity to coach at the club in the first place.

"Swansea did offer me extended terms as coach, but after careful consideration I declined.

"These things run their course and I think the time is right for me to reassess my options."