WRU 'to answer Ruddock questions'

Mike Ruddock's departure will be explained by WRU chief Steve Lewis

The Welsh Rugby Union's chief executive will embark on a tour of clubs to answer questions about national coach Mike Ruddock's departure.

Steve Lewis will spend two weeks talking to all 245 WRU member clubs across Wales.

The WRU has dubbed it the "Red Zone Roadshow" and said "no questions on the subject will be left unanswered".

Ruddock unexpectedly stepped down as Wales coach on 14 February, starting controversy and confusion in the game.

Mr Lewis will attend question and answer evenings in all the WRU clubs, starting in north Wales and working through the country.

I will be offering a frank and open assessment of recent events at WRU headquarters and ensuring that everyone who attends is fully informed Steve Lewis, WRU chief executive

The WRU said the chief executive would give an "open, honest and frank presentation to explain the rationale behind recent decisions taken by executive staff".

He will then take questions from the floor. The WRU said all the meetings would be "private and confidential".

Mr Lewis said: "I'm looking forward to getting out there and meeting everyone and taking discussions 'into the red zone'."

The "red zone" is a term used by the Welsh rugby team when referring to frank and honest discussions between players and coaches.

'Media speculation'

Mr Lewis added: "I will be offering a frank and open assessment of recent events at WRU headquarters and ensuring that everyone who attends is fully informed once and for all.

"They will be hearing the facts straight from source, so there can be no confusion or misunderstanding based on hearsay, and I'm looking forward to getting the truth out there to the people that matter - our members who are the grassroots of Welsh rugby."

Wales skipper Gareth Thomas has denied wanting Ruddock to leave

Ruddock was forced to stand down with immediate effect after he told the WRU he did not want to carry on past this season's Six Nations Championship.

There has been confusion over the reasons for Ruddock's departure, but the WRU has discounted "media speculation" that players had been involved.

Wales hope to put the controversy behind them in the third match of the Six Nations Championship against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.