But whether Ruddocks support staff will include highly-rated Australian Scott Johnson is still unclear.

Johnson, a key figure as skills coach during the Steve Hansen regime, flew back to Australia for family reasons on Monday.

He has been linked with several top jobs during the past few weeks, including Leicesters director of rugby vacancy, but Welsh rugby bosses are keen to retain his expertise.

It has now emerged that a family health issue is the final factor influencing Johnsons decision to stay on in Welsh rugby.

Sydney-born Johnsons existing two-year contract is approaching its conclusion, but he has given a clear indication that he hopes to remain.

There is a significant family health issue I have to deal with in Australia which has been delaying my decision, and I am flying home to attend to the matter, said Johnson.

I hope that everyone can understand that this private issue has a major influence on the next step I take in my working life.

The Welsh Rugby Union have been wonderful to work with over the last two years, and it does not surprise me that they are being so wonderfully supportive and understanding
at this difficult time.

I have an extremely difficult decision to make, and everyone involved with Wales has been fantastic in giving me the time I need to get this right, he added.

I have had a number of meetings with the new Wales head coach, Mike Ruddock, and all rugby issues have been resolved.

I know it would be great to work with him, and I remain hopeful that it will be possible for me to do so.

From a coaching point of view my job is not done here. There is still plenty of growth left in a Wales team which, I think, boasts the best set of backs in the northern hemisphere by
a country mile.

Ruddock, who officially takes the Wales coaching reins from Hansen on May 1, is also believed to be planning a role for defence specialist Clive Griffiths.

Ruddock, who succeeds Hansen after Gareth Jenkins and Mark Evans were both overlooked, will be at the helm for Wales clash against the Barbarians at Ashton Gate,
Bristol later that month.

But his first big challenge lies in the form of a difficult summer tour that features Test match appointments with Argentina and South Africa.