British and Irish Lions

British & Irish Lions supremo Sir Clive Woodward has acclaimed Wales' achievement in being crowned Six Nations champions for the first time, and Ruddock expects a sizeable Welsh contingent when the squad is announced on April 11.

Injuries permitting, Gareth Thomas, Shane Williams, Tom Shanklin, Gavin Henson, Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel, Gethin Jenkins, Martyn Williams and Michael Owen would all appear to be leading contenders for a tour highlighted by three Tests against Graham Henry's All Blacks.

Flanker Colin Charvis, who missed the Six Nations due to a broken foot, is another strong candidate and, given Wales' dominance of this season's tournament, the list could stretch well into double figures.

"The players have done the business, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are 10-plus Welsh players on the tour," said Ruddock.

"At the minimum, 10, and I would have thought there will be a lot more.

"I am quite excited about the fact that a lot of players could go on the Lions tour and come back with a lot of good experiences and further their rugby development."

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper could still line up against the Lions despite missing out on his 25-man squad this morning.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.