MIKE Ruddock will take his experience with the Newport Gwent Dragons into his new role as Wales coach, which has started in earnest this week despite his continuing involvement with the regional side.

"I hope my experience with the Dragons will help me, having to put a new team together and compete against a lot of established teams thought to be above us in the pecking order," said Ruddock at his first Wales Press conference yesterday.

"The big thing with the Dragons is that we haven't feared other teams and if we can get that commitment with Wales we'll be able to challenge.

"Everyone thought it would be hard with the Dragons, but we put our minds to it and got on with it which is what we've got to do here.

"Argentina and South Africa are exactly where we need to go, I've got to get strength in our scrum game, and the tour is the perfect opportunity to do that.

"All I know is I've got a very good coaching team around me. I've got a lot of experience under my belt and a huge desire to keep pushing the Welsh team forward.

"I'll be meeting with all the regional coaches and keeping the lines of communication open so that we can all work together to take Welsh rugby forward.

"It's not just about my ability, but the strength of the coaching team and the desire of the regionals coaches. I'll also be meeting owners and benefactors.

"In the next couple of years, as we lose key players, we've got to be careful that we don't always go out and get overseas players which could be detrimental.

"Two or three would be all right, and it would be ideal to have players like Nathan Brew, Hal Luscombe and Craig Warlow who have learnt a lot from Percy Montgomery.

"But we wouldn't want too many because it would stop potential Welsh internationals coming through."

Ruddock will name 33 players for the forthcoming tour to Argentina and South Africa next Thursday, one less than planned because he wants to take an extra conditioning coach in addition to Andrew Hore.

Ruddock indicated he could well recall Darren Morris, now with Leicester, while Gethin Jenkins would be considered as a prop who can play loose or tight head. He is resigned to being without injured hooker Robin McBryde, while Gareth Cooper and Robert Sidoli are doubtful, though Dafydd Jones may be fit.

However, Ruddock was non-committal about the future of retired pair Robert Howley and Scott Quinnell, though admitting he had spoken to the pair and would do so again.

Ideally Ruddock wants the best players to remain in Wales after the departure of Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones to Toulouse and Montferrand respectively.

"The principle is, if possible, to keep the best players in the Welsh regions so there is more chance of winning the Heineken Cup and the fans can see the best players, and to achieve greater attendances and sponsors," he said, though admitting, "benefits can be obtained from playing elsewhere."