TO WIN over the diehards -- that is the next step for Newport Gwent Dragons believes Mike Ruddock, who is leaving as coach after a magnificent year in charge so that he can take over the Wales hot seat.

Even Ruddock's expectations have been exceeded as the Dragons have performed brilliantly, surprising fans, pundits and the whole of Welsh rugby.

The Dragons boast:

l An unbeaten home record in the Celtic League.

l Victories over ex-winners Ulster and former runners-up Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup.

l More victories than anyone else in the league.

l A brief spell as leaders, now lying third in the table, challenging for the title.

That is a staggering list of achievements given that the squad came together with the tag of being cast-offs and no hopers only to rise above it all, develop a terrific team spirit and beat virtual all-comers.

But it has not been achieved without a lot of blood, sweat and tears and there have been problems along the way.

Initial partners Tony Brown and Marcus Russell fell out, first one then the other departed before Brown returned for good; the region went into administration and half-a-dozen players had to be made redundant.

That was all in the first half of the season whereas the second part has been a runaway success.

Ruddock believes the Dragons have to improve on that, and in particular reach out to the entire region, though he says major strides have been made.

"People do come from places like Blaina and Cwmbran and hopefully more will come again," he said.

"The fact that TV permeates living rooms a lot means a lot will see the product and will want to see it live. That should develop and whether people shout Newport or Dragons doesn't matter.

"We are the Dragons, but we're proud to play at Newport and proud of Newport as a city.

"But we are trying to spread the gospel as part of the regional programme and this week the squad spent the day working with pupils of King Henry V111 School at Abergavenny.

"We also did a master class at Usk so over time when people see the product and the quality I believe support will grow.

"And then the diehards, whether they are people from the Valleys who won't go to Newport or Newport people who won't watch the region, will realise it's a brand new team, which is what I wanted.

"That is what happened when I was with Leinster when we had people from everywhere wanting to be a part of it. I felt that was the way forward. I took stick for it, but proved it can be done.

"We should set up a working party here and sit down with the new chief executive and all the Gwent teams and try to get their thoughts on the amount of support, the schedule of games, joint season tickets, discounts for club members etc.

"There's a lot to be done, but the hardest part is over and everyone who has been part of the group has worked hard, so it's a great opportunity for those ideas to flourish."

Ruddock is equally sure the Dragons can make even more strides on the field and says the target must be to make a splash in Europe.

"I can only see it getting better. We have qualified for Europe so the Dragons can plan ahead and Tony Brown is there to provide stability," he said.

"The money is there to go out and strengthen the squad and to keep the players we've got. The Dragons should go up to the next level now and make sure they are a force in Europe.

"There is also a lot of continuity with people like fitness coach Ryan Campbell, who has done a brilliant job. "He's an unsung hero and it was evident our fitness and power were far in front of Cardiff. The feeling is Leigh Jones will stay on as skills coach, perhaps doing the forwards as well, and Clive Griffiths will be available to the regions as part of his duties to the region."

Ruddock's only regret during a momentous year is the failure of Brown and Russell to hit it off.

"Marcus helped me put the squad together and his situation has been misunderstood. It's a shame they weren't able to work together for whatever reason.

"It's important Marcus' contribution in setting up the squad and signing people be recognised as well." But in the main Ruddock has savoured his experience with the Dragons and he hopes to use the same road map with Wales.

"I've really enjoyed it, I love that sort of challenge, it happened with Swansea and with Leinster, but this has been bigger," he said.

"This is a special group with its camaraderie and banter, and the players have come on so far it's unbelievable.

"I'm hopeful of doing something like that with Wales. It's going to be a tough year the way the fixtures have dropped with two Tests against Argentina and one in South Africa with three different time zones, but it's a perfect opportunity to gel the coaching team and the squad and introduce new ideas.

"There's no better place to find out who will become an integral part of your front five than playing against the Argentinian scrum, so it's a perfect start.

"I have worked hard for this with an 18-year apprenticeship which is a bit longer than Clive Woodward, so I'm determined to give it my best shot.

"If I get the same response as with the Dragons that will be great. Tony Brown is very ambitious and wants the best which is brilliant and shows there is that desire.

"Great things will be expected from the Dragons in Europe which will be better for me as well."

Ruddock is now on his last lap with the Dragons, in effect combining two jobs. But he's got some unfinished business to attend to here and if his experience with the Dragons is anything to go by Wales are about to breathe fire as well.