By Gareth James
Rhys Ruddock has paid tribute to his family, including father Mike, after announcing this season would be his last.
Ruddock will end a hugely successful 15-year stretch this month when he plays his final match for Leinster – bringing down the curtain on one of the most decorated careers of any player raised in Wales.
In all, the 33-year-old back row forward played at two World Cups, won a Six Nations title, three European Champions Cup titles, six Celtic League/Pro12/Pro14/URC titles and one European Challenge Cup title.
He captained and won 27 caps for Ireland and has made 228 appearances for Leinster.
Three years after his last appearance for Ireland, Ruddock became eligible for Wales during last season’s Six Nations, but was overlooked by coach Warren Gatland, who ended up with a wooden spoon.
https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/1795418578038005760
Now, the son of a Grand Slam-winning coach, Ruddock junior looks likely to move into coaching himself, having already taken his first steps in that direction.
Ruddock, whose father Mike is also a former Leinster coach, and whose mother Bernadette is Irish, was brought up in Wales but took up an offer to join the Leinster academy having played youth rugby with the Ospreys.
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make,” he said.
“To retire from playing the game you love isn’t easy. However, after 15 years of professional rugby, I feel the time is right for me now and I’m excited for the next chapter.
“Supporting the Leinster team in Donnybrook as an eight-year-old, while my dad was coach, I could only have dreamed about putting on a Leinster jersey myself. To go on to play my whole career with this team has been a dream come true.
“Leinster has been such a huge part of my life. I have made some of my best friends here, with teammates past and present and had the privilege to be coached by, and work with, the most amazing group of people.
“To have had the opportunity to captain both Leinster and Ireland has been an incredible honour and is something I will always treasure and look back on with pride.
“I am hugely appreciative of the support the fans have given us over the years and have always felt privileged to represent you.
“To everyone who has helped me on my rugby journey, but in particular, to Mumbles RFC, UCD, St. Mary’s and of course in Leinster Rugby; to the players, the coaches, the medics, staff and the supporters, thank you.
“I couldn’t have done any of it without the unwavering support of my family.
“To my mum and dad, Bernadette and Mike, to Katie, Ciarán and to my partner Caoimhe, thank you all so much for the support through the good days and the bad. It wouldn’t have been possible without you all in my corner.
“It’s been one hell of a journey so far; so many incredible memories made and friendships built. I’m looking forward to giving everything I can to help this team finish this season on a high.”
https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/1795426367225393641
Ruddock made his debut for Leinster in December of 2009 against the Dragons and he figured under coaches Michael Cheika, Joe Schmidt, Matt O’Connor and Leo Cullen.
He first pulled on a senior Ireland jersey, against Australia in the summer of 2010, when only 19.
His leadership abilities run through a decade-and-a-half and even before, having captained Ireland’s U20s to a Six Nations title in 2009 and he wore the armband for both club and country at senior level.
He became Leinster’s youngest ever skipper against Aironi in February of 2011.
Former Ireland Skipper Rhys Ruddock Ready To Answer Wales’ Call
He has won three Champions Cups, one Challenge Cup and six league titles with the province and, in 2014, he won a Six Nations trophy with Schmidt’s Ireland. He also played at two World Cups.
“The Ruddock family have played a huge role in the evolution of Leinster Rugby in the professional era,” said Cullen, the current head coach.
“Rhys’ father Mike was our first full-time professional coach and Rhys was a young boy back in 1997 when I first laid eyes on him “He certainly grew up quickly representing Ireland first when he was only 19.
“I was lucky enough to both play with and coach Rhys. He has been a fantastic player and role model to so many others during his time with Leinster. He has amazing leadership qualities and is a great competitor who has shown a deep care for so many of his teammates during his distinguished career.
“We would like to wish Rhys and all the Ruddock family every success for the future.”
https://twitter.com/offtheball/status/1795526704493949160
