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Welsh Rugby Union sends in the clowns
By James Stafford
February 17 2006
The whole rugby world has been taken by surprise by Mike Ruddock’s decision to step down from his position as Welsh coach. As always, The East Terrace presents the stories that other rugby media outlets won’t touch:
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Welsh Rugby Union sends in the clowns

 

The Welsh Rugby Union has decided to ‘send in the clowns’ after the shock departure of their most successful coach for thirty years.

Mike Ruddock, who in 2005 led Wales to her first grand slam since 1978, stunned the rugby world by stepping down from his position in the middle of Wales’ Six Nations campaign. His replacement, the popular Scott Johnson, is also expected to leave the Welsh camp at the end of the tournament. While Ruddock cited family and personal reasons for his decision, rumours and accusations have surrounded the story; popular opinion being that player power pushed Ruddock out the door.

 

In response to the drama, WRU chief executive Steve Lewis held a hastily arranged press conference yesterday - complete with troupe of clowns - at the Millennium Stadium. He then issued the following statement: ‘Look at those funny clowns running around the pressroom, what a pleasant sight. How funny is that one with the blue hair, big shoes and squirty flower? What management crisis? What player power problems? What public image disaster? What player boycott of press events? What book? Quick, forget that, look over there! Aren’t those clowns very funny? Ha!’

 

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