Ruddock was drafted in on a one-month consultancy basis to assess the rugby side of the business back in December and has now agreed to accept a full-time role for the rest of the campaign.
The former Swansea coach has completed his rugby review at the region and will now have an over-arching role, taking a lead on all aspects of the rugby side of the Ospreys business.
Ruddock will provide support to the first-team coaching set-up of Carl Hogg and Matt Sherratt.
“I have big ties to the region having played for and coached Swansea and I have known Mike James, Roger Blyth and Ospreys chairman Rob Davies for many years,” said Ruddock.
“When those sort of guys reach out to you and explain they need a helping hand, it’s very difficult not to help them out.
“Ultimately this region is massively important to me and I have felt part of this region for such a long time. There is an emotional attachment. Seeing them struggling whilst recognising there was a gap when it came to manpower was difficult to witness.
“My report recommended creating a role to help shape the future so I decided to help out until the end of the season.”
Ruddock coached Wales to the 2005 Six Nations Grand Slam but is now set to devote all his energy to the Ospreys who have won just once all season.
“It’s all about setting up the processes and systems we need to drive the region forward in the future,” said Ruddock.
“Part of my role is to support and challenge the coaches and to look at how we strengthen the coaching team for next season.
“We have to replace Matt who leaves at the end of the season so we have to look at recruitment and retention for next season. That is on the coaching and playing side.
“But it’s also about looking at the environment and having real cohesion and alignment between all the different areas of the rugby operation with good communication and accountability across the club in general.”
Ruddock continued: “Part of the report outlined the need for more manpower in and around the coaching group. That meant looking at the right coaching model for the Ospreys.
“Going forward we will consider the model needed in greater detail and the skill set we require to create an ongoing culture of excellence. We won’t be rushed on this as we want to create a coaching model that really works for the Ospreys. All decisions made will be made in the context of what’s best for the Ospreys.
“In the interim period I recommended that the board appoint a performance director who could oversee and advance the rugby environment. The performance director role is initially envisaged as a short to medium term appointment thereby allowing the coaching team to drive the rugby programme over the longer term.
“We have some very experienced, hardworking coaches at the Ospreys and some up and coming young coaches who are very keen to bring success to this region. Over the next few months they will have the opportunity to further demonstrate their skills and passion for coaching at the Ospreys.”
