It's not quite industrial espionage, the coaches aren't going to attend matches wired for sound and there's no question of infiltrating the opposing camp with secret cameras, but Wales are sticking close to the maxim that 'knowledge is power'. Ruddock's aim is to fully utilise the coaching talent on hand in Wales to give first hand feedback from opposition matches this Autumn to go with the video analysis which is already an important part of preparation for his side.
And, most importantly, Wales regional coaches are backing the idea and are keen to help out the national cause in any way they can, attending matches whenever possible or analysing live TV games.
'We've had a series of meetings to debate the ways in which we can all help each other and will continue to do so,' said Ruddock. 'One of the extremely positive things to come from the last meeting was that each of the coaches is going to adopt an opposition team, watch them throughout the Autumn series, and report back directly to the Wales team coaching staff.
'We do the full range of video analysis on opposition sides as a matter of course, but there is no substitute for having an experienced and knowledgeable eye watching a match.
'And, as the Wales coaches will be preparing for our own matches throughout the Autumn, there is no one better placed than the guys at the helm of each of the regional sides to get us the information we need.
'For example, to have someone of the experience of Gareth Jenkins going to England games and coming back to us with advice on their strengths and weaknesses etc will be invaluable.
'The coaches have agreed to make presentations to our coaching staff, and the playing squad if necessary, on each of our Six Nations opposition teams.'
This new move is an open display of unity from the national coach and the regional coaches who are meeting regularly to ensure they have the best possible working relationship as Welsh rugby builds for the future. Ruddock and the regional coaches have also agreed on a workshop later this month to examine specific rugby issues relating to the tackle area and the way it is refereed.
'The workshop is very much the start of things to come,' added Ruddock. 'We are creating a guidebook or 'rugby bible' for the players and management which takes everyone through to the World Cup, detailing the philosophy of the team, our targets and the strategies we will employ to achieve them.'
