The 44-year-old Gwent Dragons coach will take over the national side when New Zealander Hansen steps down at the end of the RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Former Wales A, Swansea and Leinster boss Ruddock has agreed a two-year contract and will now shadow Hansen over the coming weeks.

Ruddock said: I am delighted to be offered this position as Wales national coach. I understand the challenges and I look forward to using the experiences I have gained in Wales and Ireland to good effect.

The union came knocking on my door and asked me to front up and, armed with the knowledge I had, I fronted up.

I was also impressed with the make-up of the selection committee and I think there is a bright future for Wales.

At this time, it's the right time for me. I was unsure of putting my name into the hat but this is as good a time as any and the opportunity was there.

Throwing my hat into the ring didn't mean I was going to get it. But you have got to back yourself and believe in yourself and make a difference. I would not be sat here if I didn't think that.

Ruddock has been involved in coaching for 18 years since being forced to retire from playing after an industrial accident.

He believes he has now reached the pinnacle of his ambitions and hopes to stay in the job beyond his initial tenure.

Ruddock, who will have to combine the job with his Dragons duties in the short term, added: I've come through this the hard way after packing in playing at 26. My determination has got me here today but, at the end of the day, a coach can only do so much.

I'm sitting here with these two years in front of me and, hopefully, those two years will move onto another two years.

Ruddock will observe Hansen at work during the build-up to next weeks RBS 6 Nations clash with England at Twickenham.

His first assignment will then be the summer tours of Argentina and South Africa, when he will work alongside team manager Alan Phillips, backs coach Scott Johnson and fitness coach Andrew Hore. A defensive coach is yet to be appointed.