WALES coach Mike Ruddock has told the Argus in an exclusive interview today that he does not intend rushing into any decision on his future.

There has been growing speculation linking him with the job at Guinness Prmeiership club Saracens where the coaching position became vacant last week when Steve Diamond was sacked.

Ruddock told the Argus he had received a number of calls from people interested in acquiring his services. But he said: "I am still employed by the Welsh Rugby Union and until that is no longer the case I won't rush into any plans for the future."

And Ruddock said he was gratified by the volume of support he has received since the WRU's decision to dispense with his services immediately despite his wishing to remain until the end of the Six Nations. "I want to thank all the people in Wales for the support I've received over the last day or so. There have been a huge number from Gwent," he said.

"What people don't realise is the job of national coach means long periods away from your family with tours, camps and attending matches.

"That wasn't going to get any easier in the build-up to the World Cup with a tour to Argentina this summer, a full domestic season, a tour to Australia and then the World Cup.

"So on that basis I decided to stand down and look at some less intense employment opportunities. "I told the WRU I would like to stand down at the end of the season, but I was asked by them to stand down immediately.

"The WRU are my employers and obviously I respect their wishes so stood down upon their request. "I was disappointed not to see out the last three games of the season (against Ireland, Italy and France). But I would like to take this opportunity to wish the team all the very best in the challenges ahead."

Ruddock did not wish to comment on rumours of player unrest and that he had been basically forced out of the job.

But it is known that Ruddock did little coaching in any event. Scott Johnson, now in charge for the rest of the season, fulfilled the joint role of backs and skills coach while Clive Griffiths handled the defence.

That left Ruddock in charge of the forwards - and they performed well enough, pushing the Scots back over their own line and being awarded a penalty try only last Saturday, before lock Scott Murray was sent off.