Joe Schmidt wants Rhys Ruddock to stay Blue

He might have a multitude of back-row riches but Leinster coach Joe Schmidt does not want to lose Rhys Ruddock to Munster.

At just 21 the potential that Ruddock has is huge. He has already captained Leinster, won his first Irish cap and he is a member of the current ‘A’ Wolfhound side just announced by Declan Kidney.

But rumours surfaced this week that Munster were trying to steal him away from the European champions and Schmidt admitted yesterday he doesn’t want to lose the big St Mary’s man.

"I can understand why they're interested in him," Schmidt said in today’s Irish Independent of Munster's interest.

"We'd obviously be very disappointed to lose Rhys - he has captained the side seven or eight times and that's a measure of the respect we have for him as a potential leader of the club.

"I think there's a few things that have gone against him this year as far as injury is concerned - he got a few knocks and it kind of messed with a bit of his rhythm, but I think he came on and had a good impact at the weekend.

"He's had good involvement in both the Pro12 and the Heineken Cup and we'd be delighted if he would continue with us. In defence of Leinster as well, I think Rhys has made really good progress here."

It sounds like Ruddock wants to play a bit more often and with so much competition at Leinster he may think a switch from the province will help. Munster would obviously love to have him but will Schmidt be forced to let him go? One to watch we think.