“If he was selected then I would have no worries at all about his ability, he’s an excellent player,” said Ruddock at the RBS Six Nations launch at Westminster. “He has been playing exceptionally well for the Ospreys this season and his fitness statistics are right up their with some of the best in the world.
“Andrew Hore (Wales Fitness Coach) is very knowledgeable of statistics from around the world and he says that this guy is quite phenomenal in comparison. Richie is probably one of the quickest opensides in the world as well as being strong. He’s a new breed of player that we are seeing coming through in Welsh rugby.”
Pugh toured Argentina and South Africa last summer with Wales under Ruddock, without playing, having impressed in the Wales U21 ranks. With both Colin Charvis and Martyn Williams ruled out of the February 5th clash, Pugh may find himself in line for a cap.
Vice-Captain Charvis damaged ligaments in his foot playing for Newcastle against the Dragons in the Heineken Cup while Williams has a disk problem in his neck.
Ruddock said: “We have been much maligned in the past for not being as dedicated to fitness as other countries but suddenly we are seeing a new type of player emerging, living and breathing with the ambition to make it to the top. Richie Pugh is one of those guys.
“He’s had great experience with the Ospreys over the last two seasons, has excelled with Wales U21 and toured with the National Squad. Countries like Australia and New Zealand are forever blooding these guys while for too long we have been afraid to do that. We have to start looking towards the next Rugby World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Ruddock is waiting on Llanelli Scarlets’ Iestyn Thomas before naming the fourth and final prop in his RBS Six Nations squad. Thomas has been out of action with a neck injury but could make a return against Munster at the weekend.
“I’m hoping he will prove his fitness for the Scarlets on Saturday,” said Ruddock. “That might be a bonus and provide us with an extra option ahead of England.”
