Negotiations are in the final stages with the personnel that Mike Ruddock has identified he wants to have in his team and they have all indicated they are prepared to work with him. In the case of one of his proposed team there is still a personal issue to be resolved that is completely out of the hands of the WRU.
On that matter Wales skills coach Scott Johnson flew home to Australia on Monday to address an important family health issue which is the final factor influencing his decision to stay on in Welsh rugby.
Johnson, who is in great demand around World rugby as his current two-year Wales contract comes to an end, says that his work with the Welsh national side is not done and he hopes to be able to stay.
He has also bestowed praise on Welsh Rugby Union bosses, staff, players and management for the support they have given him at this difficult time.
“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. 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 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.”
