No answers

We are no further forward in knowing the reasons for Mike Ruddock's shock resignation as coach less than a year after Wales won the Grand Slam for the first time for 27 years and after Ruddock had enjoyed considerable success with Newport Gwent Dragons, Swansea and Leinster as well.

And we still don't know why, when Ruddock told WRU chief executive Steve Lewis he wanted to go at the end of the season, he was replaced by assistant Scott Johnson immediately, other than Lewis saying last week it had been 'normal business practice.'

Late last night, an hour after the meeting had ended, WRU chairman David Pickering, who, like Lewis, has been in the firing line from the clubs, read a statement out which revealed the board had unanimously backed Lewis in his handling of the affair which has rocked Welsh rugby to its foundations.

"The board is satisfied and unanimously supports the actions of its executive staff and in particular chief executive Steve Lewis and head of group services Tim Burton," said Pickering.

And, going some way to explaining the inability of the WRU to comment further, Pickering said: "We received a personal and confidential report from Mike Ruddock who has specifically asked that we keep this confidential, and we respect that.

"At the end of his attendance at the meeting, Mike Ruddock confirmed he was satisfied with the process."

Pickering added today, "Mike Ruddock was offered a contract last August which would've guaranteed him £400,000 over two years, possibly rising to £500,000 which is more than double any other employee of the WRU earns. We are very disappointed that contract could not be concluded."

A sombre Pickering, accompanied by an equally gloomy Lewis, who said nothing, and with Millennium Stadium chief executive Paul Sargeant in the background as well, also denied suggestions that Lewis had met senior players about Ruddock.

"The board discounted media speculation that senior players had met with the chief executive to discuss Mike Ruddock prior to his resignation," he said.

And, wishing to put the matter to bed, which is asking a lot given the lack of explanations, Pickering said, "Our attention now turns to the third match of the Six Nations campaign and as we aim to draw a line under this matter we wish the players, coach and management team our full support in the remainder of the campaign."

Ruddock had earlier read out his statement after meeting the board for an hour, accompanied by his solicitor.

He is still clearly looking to the clubs for their support and understanding about why he quit his post.

"I have explained my position and given my personal views which I hope has been useful to the board and avoids further unnecessary speculation or any false impressions which could undermine my personal position or that of the board," said Ruddock.

"It is now a matter for the Welsh Rugby Union board to consult with the districts and the constituent clubs of the WRU and decide on their next steps.

"The board have been provided with a copy of my statement and copies of other relevant documents which I hope will help their deliberations without the risk of misinterpretation or confusion as to my exact position."

Ruddock urges Welsh fans to now concentrate their attention on the Welsh team and not himself.

"My message to the Welsh team is to concentrate on the next game and carry on the brilliant performance against Scotland. My issues are unimportant and insignificant compared to the challenge they face on the pitch.

I wish them all the luck in the world and I believe they can go on and win all their remaining games. I would also like to express my personal thanks for all the messages of support I have received."

The matter will now revert to the clubs who will need answers from their district representatives, however confidential the nature of last night's meeting, to prevent them calling an emergency meeting of all WRU clubs which they had been threatening in order to bring Lewis and Pickering to account.