Ruddock reaping rewards of Leinster stay

The 24-year-old came close to leaving the Irish side two years ago when he was frustrated with a lack of opportunities but has since firmly established himself as a crucial part of Matt O'Connor's squad.

After excellent performances for the reigning GUINNESS PRO12 champions this season, Ruddock has also become a key player for Ireland, having waited four years between his debut in 2010 and a recall earlier this year.

The flanker's patience was richly rewarded as he scored a vital try in Ireland's 29-15 victory over South Africa last weekend, despite replacing the ill Chris Henry only hours before the game.

And Ruddock is glad he chose to stay with Leinster, believing his success on the international stage is down to the expert guidance on offer at the Dublin club.

"I had to take a good hard look and work out what was best for me, in terms of my career, and whether or not staying at Leinster would allow me to develop," Ruddock told the Irish Independent.

"After weighing up all the options I decided what I could learn at the club and within the Irish system was more beneficial than me going elsewhere and maybe getting a bit more game time.

"Possibly in other teams maybe I would've been getting a bit more game-time, but I had to bide my time and learn from the expertise that was around me.

"I'm glad I made the decisions I made and I'm enjoying getting a bit more game-time now these days."

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