Former Welsh Captain Gwyn Jones in his capacity of selecting the monthly senior award winner felt it appropriate to select Mike Ruddock, Head Coach of Ebbw Vale RFC due to his ability to put events off the pitch into perspective.
Gwyn said: It has been predicted that Ebbw Vale will be discarded by the so-called Welsh rugby elite and in difficult circumstances Mike Ruddock has had to fight for the future of his club and players this season. Win or lose he is always prepared to talk honestly about the issues of the day and his smile having beaten Cardiff recently spoke volumes.”
On receiving his award, Mike said: ” I am personally delighted. The award is a reflection of the coaching team and staff at Ebbw Vale.
“There are a lot of young players coming through that are showing great potential. It’s not just about me, the whole club has been positive.”
The main objective of the campaign, the brainchild of WRU Director of Rugby Terry Cobner, is to restore the balance between the desire to win and the moral values of the Game, in. The target of Chwarae Teg/Fair Play is age group rugby, where a ‘win at all costs’ mentality has become widespread.
It is hoped that Chwarae Teg will promote positive attitudes in the Game, as well as encourage players to develop respect for their opponents, for match officials and the rules of the sport.
The campaign strapline ‘Play Hard, Play Fair’ encourages players to be competitive within the confines of the Laws of the Game.
