GWENT rugby officials have called for heads to roll in the wake of 'Ruddockgate.'

And they are unanimous in demanding the Welsh Rugby Union tell the truth after tonight's meeting between the board and the former Wales coach.

Welsh rugby was thrown into turmoil last week with the shock departure of Grand Slam-winning Wales coach Mike Ruddock.

Rumours that he was pushed out by player power were dismissed by WRU chief Steve Lewis and team captain Gareth Thomas.

Newbridge chairman Idris McCarthy commented: "I think the two people we have got at the top of the WRU (Steve Lewis and David Pickering) are very poor. They seem to think they can ride roughshod and do things without telling the board.

"Should they resign? I don't really think they are the people for the job. I think they've had their chance and haven't conducted themselves properly.

"But having said that, I think the board are hopeless. I'm not saying there aren't a couple of good people on there, but when they make the decisions they make it's shocking.

"These people seem to think they are there to do as they like but they're not, they are there to represent us. We have to have a new chief executive, there's no doubt about that. I thought Mike Ruddock was a good coach and a good bloke. His record speaks for itself.

"My honest opinion is that the players have got together to get him out because they want the job for Scott Johnson."

Allan Evans, secretary of Fleur-de- Lys, said: "I was at the dinner following the Wales-Scotland game and spoke to Mike Ruddock at length about various issues and he was confident of finishing the season with further successes.

"Those comments were not coming from someone who two days later handed his notice in.

"I think he was pushed and hopefully the truth will come out.

"The leadership is lacking someone of David Moffett's capabilities. Steve Lewis is not the man for the job. His integrity has to be questioned. I don't think he has many supporters. I do feel heads should roll at the WRU."

Abertillery/Blaenau Gwent secretary David Mason said: "I'd like someone to tell us the truth. The rank and file are gutted about what's happened.

"There are so many different versions about why Mike has gone - player power, I do think they want Scott Johnson as coach; the WRU; and, though I know Mike, I don't think he's handled it very well.

"But we can't brush this under the carpet. There's so much under there, there's no more room.

"If anyone is guilty of doing things behind Ruddock's back they should fall on their sword."

New Tredegar secretary Ray Davies commented: "Everyone in Wales is saying we want the truth.

"You couldn't get a nicer guy than Mike Ruddock but too many outside influences have been brought to bear in this matter.

"I don't think it's a case of heads should roll. If Mike genuinely wanted to get out we should respect his wishes, if he was forced out we should make sure it couldn't happen again."

Paul Tovey, Trinant secretary, said: "When Mike said he was resigning for family reasons it didn't add up. He knew the score before he took the job on.

"The grass roots deserve better. I didn't think Gareth Thomas' interview on TV eased the problem. And what's the role of Alan Phillips in this as team manager? Everyone seems to have gone above his head. It's a shambles."

Tony Lewis, secretary of Tredegar where Ruddock once played, said: "I'm convinced he has been set up by the WRU. That's why I think he wants to put his case to the whole committee.

"When the district reps report back I think the rank and file will act. I'm sure heads will roll when it all comes out."

Abercarn secretary Andrew Chetland said: "I don't think we can make a decision until after tonight's meeting, if the truth gets back. Mike Ruddock was a great ambassador for Welsh rugby and this has made us a laughing stock again."