By Lestyn
April 19 2004

Declan Kidney has been offered the chance to take over from Mike Ruddock at Newport Gwent Dragons, although unconfirmed, it is understood he was agreeing terms over the weekend. Rumours point to the Irish assistant being offered a deal in excess of £70,000 annually (a very conservative offer) to coach the Dragons over a period of at least two years.

Outgoing coach at Rodney Parade Mike Ruddock has pledged to use the former Munster coach Kidney as part of his Welsh set up, in an advisory position

"We have seen outside coaches taking charge of teams like ourselves, Scotland and Ireland. It's not always the best, but his contract with the IRFU was not to be renewed beyond the end of June and it's been good to talk with him.

Kidney did attend Saturdays 48-25 thumping of Cardiff on Saturday, but to avoid speculation watched as a spectator from the terrace.

Dragons chief David Jenkins was however more up front;

"We have looked at a number of options. The deal isn't done, but Declan Kidney has to be a major contender. His track record as a coach speaks for itself."

As a more backs orientated coach Kidney is the man, Tony Brown and the other regional directors will make them a force in Europe.

Other rumours would indicate a more Welsh feel to the rest of the coaching setup, with current Newport coach david Rees as Kidney's assistant and Wales under 19 and Cross Keys boss David Rees joining the set up as skills coach.