Danny Wilson to leave Cardiff Blues at end of the season- John Mulvihill to replace him

There is no Cardiff Blues thread, so I thought I would give this it's own independent one. I do not know the why's and the what's, but it looks as though Danny Wilson want's to walk away at the end of the season.

Taken from WOL:-

Wilson will leave his role at the end of the season

Danny Wilson is to leave Cardiff Blues at the end of this season.

The Blues head coach has decided not to take up the option of extending his stay at the Arms Park into a fourth year.

Wilson has met with senior officials at the region over the past week or so to discuss the budgetary plans for next season on the playing and management front.

And, after taking everything into consideration, he has opted not to sign a contract extension.

He will however stay in charge for the remainder of the season, with the players being informed of the situation yesterday.

The former Wales U20s boss has reportedly been targeted by Northampton, who want to bring him on board as forwards coach, while he is likely to attract further interest from elsewhere.

But it’s understood he hasn’t signed a deal with any club for next season at this point in time.

Confirming Wilson’s decision to leave at the end of the season, the Blues say a search for a suitable successor will begin with immediate effect and further rugby appointments will be made.

Chief executive Richard Holland said: “It is disappointing that Danny has decided not to take up the offer of a new contract and will not be part of our strategy moving forward.

“We will begin the process of finding a successor immediately and we will consult key individuals to ensure we make the right appointment for Cardiff Blues.”

Wilson admits it was a tough decision to make, but insists he remains committed to the cause for the remainder of his time at the Blues.

“This was obviously a very difficult decision to make and I am very grateful to Cardiff Blues for the opportunities they have given to me,” he said.

“I will be fully committed to Cardiff Blues for the remainder of my time here and am now solely focused on this weekend’s match with Munster.”

Wilson was appointed head coach at the Blues in the summer of 2015, having previously been forwards coach at the Dragons, the Scarlets and Bristol, as well as having spells with Cardiff RFC and London Welsh.

He had also led Wales U20s to second and third place finishes in the Junior World Championship in successive years.

The Blues finished seventh in the PRO12 in his first two years at the helm and reached the Challenge Cup quarter-final last season.

What about the rest of this season?

Just to confirm, Danny Wilson is contracted until the end of this season and the Blues are adamant he will remain at the helm for the rest of the campaign.

It will clearly be a somewhat unusual situation, with everyone knowing he is on his way but a lot of rugby to be played.

Only time will tell how things work out and how the Blues fare over the coming months.

Northampton are reportedly keen to bring Wilson on board as forwards coach, while other clubs are bound to be interested in acquiring the services of a man who is renowned as a very accomplished, technical set-piece guru.

He hasn’t signed with anyone yet, but he will now be considering his future options.

Who will replace Wilson?

The Blues have announced that a search for a suitable successor to Wilson as head coach will begin with immediate effect.

That has inevitably got us thinking in the office about potential candidates and there have been a few interesting names bandied around. You’ve got former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson, ex-Scarlets boss Simon Easterby, who is currently with Ireland, and former Bath and Toulon coach Mike Ford.

Mark Anscombe - the father of Blues fly-half Gareth - was another name that cropped up, with the Kiwi having recently left his job with Canada.

Stephen Jones would clearly be an appealing option, given the outstanding job he has done as Scarlets backs coach, helping them to the PRO12 title.

Alternatively, if the Blues look to promote from within, then they have attack specialist Matt Sherratt, who has had a spell with Wales, while Shaun Edwards is also on the coaching staff in a consultancy capacity. And then there’s always the option of going with a senior player such as Gethin Jenkins, a route the Blues went down before when they appointed fellow Wales prop Dai Young.

Blues budget a key factor

It’s clear one of the main factors behind Wilson’s decision to move on was the budgetary plan for next season.

There was an option for him to extend his contract into a fourth year and the Blues were keen for him to stay on board.

But, before making his mind up, he wanted to know what money he’d have to play with.

The playing budget for this season stands at around £4.95m, down a couple of hundred thousand or so from what was originally planned as a result of Springbok lock Franco van der Merwe being released due to financial issues.

As I understand it, the proposal from the board for next term was a playing spend of around £4.8m, with some additional investment being made available on the coaching side.

After considering what he’d have to spend, Wilson decided not to sign a new deal. Exactly what it would have taken to keep him on board is uncertain, but one would imagine it would have required a playing budget of around £5.3m.

That wasn’t on the table, so there has been an amicable parting of the ways.

How the story broke

It was late yesterday evening that news first reached me that Danny Wilson was leaving the Blues.

Nothing stays a secret in Welsh rugby for too long and the jungle drums started beating with increasing volume as the night wore on.

The word was Wilson had told the Blues players he would be moving on at the end of this season.

I was also hearing he had made his decision after the playing and coaching budgets for next term were outlined to him.

As you do in my job, you check out the validity of any story with trusted contacts and by early this morning it was clear this one was right.

So I started writing!

The news was then officially confirmed by a statement from the Blues.

Here is the Link:-

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/live-updates-danny-wilson-quits-13680428

Any Cardiff fans care to elaborate on this ?

Is anybody surprised ?

I am surprised.
Didn't realise they had a "strategy". Meh.

He can't sit still, Wilson. What's that, 20 clubs in 3 seasons or something like that. Depends which way you like to look at it - he's either ambitious and takes opportunities as they present themselves, or he has some loyalty issues and will jump ship at the wave of a mars bar. I reckon the latter.

So he's going to Saints and the rumours of West going to us are true....

Cardiff have not performed at a high level and the budget is probably a reflection of the declining attendances. Spending however much on Morgan, James and Cuthbert when they no longer have a quality 10 or second row was short sighted. Losing Patchell has set them back and at some point Filisi will retire with no quality TH likely available at the same price.

They probably need to be realistic and allow the 3 big names go (Cuthbert who can be replaced by Summerhill and Fish; Williams who sadly is injury prone/in decline and Warburton who has been superseded by Ellis Jenkins and barely plays). They should look to rebuild themselves in the front 5 and try to attract a quality 10. At this point, a hard reset is needed with a focus on the academy.

I don't know what options they have in the coaching world but again, will have to be someone who wants a chance to either build or rehab their reputation.

Griff wrote:He can't sit still, Wilson. What's that, 20 clubs in 3 seasons or something like that. Depends which way you like to look at it - he's either ambitious and takes opportunities as they present themselves, or he has some loyalty issues and will jump ship at the wave of a mars bar. I reckon the latter.

Probably right there.

Big Dai coming back to Wales, ready to then step up to the Team Wales gig in 2019?

Who's coaching Ponty these days, can they pinch him?

Blues are a sinking ship and Wilson is getting out while he still can. Head coach he is not, but a very good forwards coach he is.

mikey_dragon wrote:Blues are a sinking ship and Wilson is getting out while he still can. Head coach he is not, but a very good forwards coach he is.

Do you think he can make the step up to Aviva Premiership level though?

mikey_dragon wrote:Blues are a sinking ship and Wilson is getting out while he still can. Head coach he is not, but a very good forwards coach he is.

The way things are going they'll be in line for a WRU takeover in a few years

More on this, taken from WOL:-

Let’s cut to the chase, why is Wilson leaving?

Well, there are various factors, but the key one is finance.

There was an option for Wilson to extend his contract into a fourth year and the Blues were keen for him to stay on board.

But, before making his mind up, he wanted to know what money he’d have to play with next season.

After considering what he’d have to spend, Wilson decided not to sign a new deal.

Exactly what it would have taken to keep him on board is uncertain, but one would imagine it would have required a playing budget of around £5.3m, along with further investment on the coaching front.

That wasn’t on the table, with chairman Peter Thomas having been pretty clear he is not prepared to keep dipping further into his pocket.

So what’s this about Northampton being after Wilson?

It was reported over the weekend that the Saints wanted to bring Wilson on board as forwards coach.

They are clearly ambitious to push for honours, having signed Wales fly-half Dan Biggar, and Wilson would be a quality addition to their management team.

It’s odds on that other clubs will also be interested in acquiring the services of a man who is renowned as a very accomplished set-piece guru.

You only have to listen to Wales prop Samson Lee talk about the part Wilson played in his development to understand just what a gifted technical coach he is, while the Blues have been good to watch at their best under him.

The former hooker from Weston-Super-Mare hasn’t signed with anyone yet, but there is unlikely to be a shortage of offers and he will be considering his options over the coming weeks and months.

Who will replace Wilson as head coach?

The Blues have announced that a search for a suitable successor will begin with immediate effect.

That inevitably got us thinking in the office about potential candidates and there have been a few interesting names bandied around.

You’ve got former Scarlets boss Simon Easterby, who is currently with Ireland, ex England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson and former Bath and Toulon chief Mike Ford.

Mark Anscombe - the father of Blues fly-half Gareth - was another name that cropped up, with the Kiwi having recently left his job with Canada.

Stephen Jones would clearly be an appealing option, given the outstanding job he has done as Scarlets backs coach, helping them to the PRO12 title.

Alternatively, if the Blues look to promote from within, they have attack specialist Matt Sherratt, who has had a spell with Wales, while Shaun Edwards is also on the coaching staff in a consultancy capacity.

And then there’s always the option of going with a senior player such as Gethin Jenkins, a route they went down before when they appointed fellow Wales prop Dai Young.

What does the long-term future of the Blues look like?

Uncertain.

It’s been a volatile six months or so at the region and this is another seismic event.

When Wilson was appointed on a three year deal in the summer of 2015, the talk was of the need for a period of stability after the toing and froing on the coaching front since Dai Young’s departure.

We’ve had that for a couple of seasons, amid signs of improvement on the pitch and of young talent starting to come through.

At times, the Blues have played some of the best rugby in the post-Young era, with the Judgement Day demolition of the Ospreys perhaps the high point.

When they’ve had pretty much their strongest team on the pitch, they have been a match for most teams and played some really attractive, high-tempo stuff.

But the problem has been the strength in depth which has left them vulnerable to injuries to key men and liable to inconsistency in terms of results.

Wilson has been well aware of this and of the need for reinforcements in certain areas.

But that costs money and therein lies the rub.Towards the end of last season, it became clear there were growing stresses on the financial front.

In May, Peter Thomas sent shockwaves through the game when he announced plans to hand the Blues franchise over to the Welsh Rugby Union from July 1.

The idea was the WRU would take on responsibility for the rugby operation - and the consequent financial burden - enabling the Blues board to focus on the proposed redevelopment of the Arms Park.

But the takeover deal fell through over the financial settlement. Thomas would have had to pay out in excess of £1m to the Union to cover liabilities, including squad commitments, and the terms just weren’t acceptable to him.

There was also the issue that transferring the rugby business would have required the approval of the Cardiff Athletic Club and the idea of a WRU takeover didn’t go down well with some supporters, particularly amid concerns over the Cardiff name being ditched in a mirror version of what has happened with Newport at the Dragons.

With the deal not going ahead, there were financial implications. It left Thomas faced with a sizeable personal outlay to meet the agreed playing budget of around £5.1m, against a backdrop of reduced income, with the BT naming-rights sponsorship of the Arms Park coming to an end.

The end result was a tightening of the belt, with the board deciding to release international signing Van der Merwe to join London Irish before he had played a game for the region.

There was talk of further possible cost-cutting and other star players leaving. While that was staved off, with the South African TV money proving crucial, it was a pretty turbulent summer and it would have left it’s mark on Wilson, who would no doubt have started to question his long-term future at the region.

That future has now been decided.

What the future holds for the Blues is another matter. It may well be that a WRU takeover comes back on the agenda at some point and that might be more likely if there is a reduced playing budget for next season and thereby fewer liabilities. There are some 20 players out of contract at the end of this campaign and one can expect a fair bit of movement.

But ultimately, much depends on how Peter Thomas sees the future. I know he feels there needs to be increased WRU funding of the regional game to reduce the burden on individual benefactors.

Whether that would be forthcoming at the Blues without greater Union control is questionable. So once again we come back to whether Thomas would be ready to hand over the reins.

He has poured millions into Cardiff rugby over the past two decades to keep it afloat, with some ten different coaches coming and going, the latest being Wilson.

As ever, he remains a pivotal figure in what the future holds, both on and off the field, with the projected multi-million pound Arms Park redevelopment a constant factor in the background.

In terms of the WRU, everything I hear tells me they are prepared to step in if the situation arises, but clearly that hinges on Thomas and the Blues board. The Union can play something of a waiting game, knowing the RSA and current franchise agreement is up in 2020.

So, there you have it, for now. Keep watching this space, as there’s never a dull day covering the Blues!

Scottrf wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Blues are a sinking ship and Wilson is getting out while he still can. Head coach he is not, but a very good forwards coach he is.

Do you think he can make the step up to Aviva Premiership level though?

Considering the dross served up in the AP is a level below the Pro14, yes.

marty2086 wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Blues are a sinking ship and Wilson is getting out while he still can. Head coach he is not, but a very good forwards coach he is.

The way things are going they'll be in line for a WRU takeover in a few years

I guess so. That almost happened this season apparently.

mikey_dragon wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Blues are a sinking ship and Wilson is getting out while he still can. Head coach he is not, but a very good forwards coach he is.

The way things are going they'll be in line for a WRU takeover in a few years

I guess so. That almost happened this season apparently.

It was a mini part time takeover was it not? Though that's why it seems likely since Cardiff are yet to find a solution to their problem

Cardiff have created a lot of their own problems since regionalism. They are now paying the piper.

mikey_dragon wrote:

Scottrf wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Blues are a sinking ship and Wilson is getting out while he still can. Head coach he is not, but a very good forwards coach he is.

Do you think he can make the step up to Aviva Premiership level though?

Considering the dross served up in the AP is a level below the Pro14, yes.

When the European champions don't even make the final, sure.

[/quote]Considering the dross served up in the AP is a level below the Pro14, yes. [/quote]

P1ss take.

Wonder If Mallinder would like a nice house in the Swansea bay area next season?

Scottrf wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

Scottrf wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Blues are a sinking ship and Wilson is getting out while he still can. Head coach he is not, but a very good forwards coach he is.

Do you think he can make the step up to Aviva Premiership level though?

Considering the dross served up in the AP is a level below the Pro14, yes.

When the European champions don't even make the final, sure.

That's great logic, by that hat means Ulster are better than the English and French league after beating both champions last season and they only finished 5th so that makes the Pro14 far superior than both surely?

marty2086 wrote:That's great logic, by that hat means Ulster are better than the English and French league after beating both champions last season and they only finished 5th so that makes the Pro14 far superior than both surely?

Na. Ulster got hammered by Saints who are an average AP side.

Scottrf wrote:

marty2086 wrote:That's great logic, by that hat means Ulster are better than the English and French league after beating both champions last season and they only finished 5th so that makes the Pro14 far superior than both surely?

Na. Ulster got hammered by Saints who are an average AP side.

And yet you can't see the stupidity in your argument

marty2086 wrote:

Scottrf wrote:

marty2086 wrote:That's great logic, by that hat means Ulster are better than the English and French league after beating both champions last season and they only finished 5th so that makes the Pro14 far superior than both surely?

Na. Ulster got hammered by Saints who are an average AP side.

And yet you can't see the stupidity in your argument

It's a better league. Look for your own evidence, pretend the Pro 14 is better, whatever. The 'step up to prem level' comment was just bait, and worked a treat.

Scottrf wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Scottrf wrote:

marty2086 wrote:That's great logic, by that hat means Ulster are better than the English and French league after beating both champions last season and they only finished 5th so that makes the Pro14 far superior than both surely?

Na. Ulster got hammered by Saints who are an average AP side.

And yet you can't see the stupidity in your argument

It's a better league. Look for your own evidence, pretend the Pro 14 is better, whatever. The 'step up to prem level' comment was just bait, and worked a treat.

So you're a troll now? Stay classy

What has any of this got to do with Danny Wilson and Cardiff Blues ?

Good grief marty, is the nobody you will not bicker with on here ?

Congrats mikey, the grey would have been proud of that level of response to his bait

LordDowlais wrote:What has any of this got to do with Danny Wilson and Cardiff Blues ?

Good grief marty, is the nobody you will not bicker with on here ?

Just the trolls it seems, don't be getting jealous though LD

LordDowlais wrote:
Good grief marty, is the nobody you will not bicker with on here ?

Really LD? Really? Coming from you?

BamBam wrote:Congrats mikey, the grey would have been proud of that level of response to his bait

What, one comment? Doesn’t change the fact that the AP is overhyped and full of dross - even the fans are worse over in that league.

I'll bow down to your expertise in recognising dross - given your Dragons and Wales allegiances, you've got a damn sight more experience of it than I do

BamBam wrote:I'll bow down to your expertise in recognising dross - given your Dragons and Wales allegiances, you've got a damn sight more experience of it than I do

AWJ had to carry a fair bit of dross during the Lions tour if I remember correctly, but even that world class performer couldn’t save Kruis. Now Sarries have had to bring in some other Welsh lock forward to help carry their other young locks to prevent furure dross.

I'm sure Saracens fans would be devastated to hear your opinion of their club's locks

Anyway, back on topic from the BBC :-

Cardiff Blues: Danny Wilson difficult to replace, says Adrian Hadley.

Former Cardiff and Wales wing Adrian Hadley fears the Blues will find it hard to replace departing head coach Danny Wilson.

The Blues announced Wilson will leave the region at the end of 2017-18, his third campaign in charge.

But Hadley believes financial issues could deter potential successors.

"It could be very difficult to recruit that person with the financial constraints there with the playing squad at the moment," said Hadley.

"If Danny is leaving because there isn't the money there to have a competitive squad, then who in their right mind would come in and take that position?

"The board and chief executive have to try and get things right so the next coach has the money to produce a decent squad."

Financial problems

Hadley played on the wing for Cardiff and Wales before moving to played rugby league where he also represented his country.

After his retirement he went to become the Bridgend RFC chief executive and Sale director of rugby.

He believes Wilson has found himself constrained by finances at the Arms Park.

"It is disappointing for the Blues supporters and region as a whole," said Hadley.

"Danny went in there with a three-year project and I think a lot of it is to do with what is going on off the field, where the revenue is not being generated for the investment to go into the playing squad."

Hadley identified the Blues' board decision to sign South African second-row Franco van der Merwe from Ulster and then release him without playing a game as a symptom of potential financial difficulties.

"They got rid of him with the emergence of Seb Davies which looked likely to save a few bob," added Hadley.

Staying professional

Hadley has dismissed fears there will be issues about the squad still playing for Wilson knowing the coach is leaving.

"It shouldn't affect things," he added.

"Danny is very professional and the players should be professional to get on with their job and play for the shirt."

The Blues have had discussions with the Welsh Rugby Union about future involvement, which included plans to redevelop Cardiff Arms Park for the professional team and Cardiff RFC, who play in the Welsh Premiership.

Those talks were suspended in the summer and, with the current lease on the Arms Park running out in 2022, Hadley believes this issue must be sorted out.

"Their priority is to get the development under way or agreed and that may release some cash to put into the playing squad," said Hadley.

"If that doesn't happen I have a lot of worries for Cardiff Blues and Cardiff RFC."

BamBam wrote:I'm sure Saracens fans would be devastated to hear your opinion of their club's locks

Two good locks and one failed Lion (unfortunately). Dom Day is there to help Itoje’s transition and give Kruis a kick up the rear. One day Maro could go on to emulate AWJ record of 12 consecutive Lions tests, all thanks to the Welsh locks.

When it comes to everything to do with Wales rugby Mikey, you're like Homer skipping through the land of chocolate..

LordDowlais wrote:

The Blues have had discussions with the Welsh Rugby Union about future involvement, which included plans to redevelop Cardiff Arms Park for the professional team and Cardiff RFC, who play in the Welsh Premiership.

Those talks were suspended in the summer and, with the current lease on the Arms Park running out in 2022, Hadley believes this issue must be sorted out.

"Their priority is to get the development under way or agreed and that may release some cash to put into the playing squad," said Hadley.

"If that doesn't happen I have a lot of worries for Cardiff Blues and Cardiff RFC."

No mention of CAC?
As I understand it, them and the Pieman can't agree on hymn sheets, so not sure what the future holds at CAP.

Think the WRU are going to have to step in here. Four regions. Ospreys, Scarlets, East Wales Dragons (playing out of Dave) and North Wales Blues. Seems to be the only realistic solution to me.

RiscaGame wrote:Think the WRU are going to have to step in here. Four regions. Ospreys, Scarlets, East Wales Dragons (playing out of Dave) and North Wales Blues. Seems to be the only realistic solution to me.

You been puffing the magic dragon?

Don't know what you mean

Anyway back on topic, taken from WOL:-

Every Cardiff rugby coach employed by Peter Thomas in the past 22 years and how they turned out
It's been an eventful reign with quite a few coaching appointments along the way

It’s 22 years and counting since multi-millionaire and savoury pies magnate Peter Thomas took the reins of Cardiff RFC and then the Blues with the inception of regional rugby in Wales.

During his tenure, 13 sets of coaching teams (if you include the two spells for Alec Evans, Terry Holmes plus double act Paul John and Dale McIntosh) at the Arms Park seems at first glance par for the course in the oval-ball game.


But when you take out Dai Young’s nine-year stint from 2002-11 and is makes for unsettling reading for Blues fans as they ponder another coaching departure next summer with the exit of Danny Wilson.

We look at the coaching teams in the Welsh capital during the Peter Thomas era....

ALEC EVANS

Credited as being the unsung hero of the 1984 Grand Slam Wallabies tour of the UK, Evans arrived at the Arms Park in the summer of 1992, after a season in the Heineken League First Division when nearly everyone beat Cardiff.

The Blue & Blacks would have been relegated had it not been for the fact there was no relegation.

Adding Wales and Lions luminaries Terry Holmes and Charlie Faulkner to his coaching set-up, Evans transformed the club who became champions of the Welsh Premier Division in the 1994-95 season a season after lifting the Welsh Cup.

Following the departure of Alan Davies eight weeks before the start of the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, Evans became the first non-Welshman to coach Wales having Mike Ruddock and Dennis John as his assistants, but couldn’t prevent first round elimination.

TERRY HOLMES

Holmes’ apprenticeship under Evans meant the former Wales and Lions scrum-half was a natural successor when the Aussie headed home.

“Alex did a fantastic job,” Holmes said, “and for me it was just like being on an extended coaching course.”

Holmes joined the Cardiff Youth side at the age of 16 and went on to play for the senior side for 10 seasons. Given the task of filling the Wales scrum-half position after the retirement of Gareth Edwards, aged 21 Holmes won his first cap for Wales in 1978 against Australia.

He won 25 caps and also played for the Lions on their 1980 tour to South Africa and the 1983 tour of New Zealand, but was forced to return home early through injury from both tours.

Holmes’ coaching highlight at the Arms Park was leading the club to the final of the inaugural Heineken Cup where they would lose in heartbreaking fashion to Toulouse at the National Stadium.

ALEC EVANS

The prodigal son returned to Wales in 1997 heading up a coaching team of Holmes, Tony Faulkner and Geraint John.

That season did lead to some silverware, as Cardiff beat Llanelli 36–26 in the semi-final and Swansea 33–26 in the final of the Swalec Cup. Cardiff were Wales’ sole representative in the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup, and were beaten away in rematch of the previous year's quarter-final, by Bath, who would go on to win the tournament.

In the summer of 1998 Evans left Cardiff for Australia for the second time and Terry Holmes was put back in charge.

Following his return to Australia he coached Gordon RFC, in Sydney, before joining Queensland Reds as their scrum supremo.

He was part of the Wallabies’ 2007 Rugby World Cup preparations before going on to coach three Queensland clubs to Hospital Cup Premiership titles (Wests, Souths and Gold Coast Breakers).

He remains in high demand as a mentor for school and club sides with his last major achievement being assistant to Queensland’s Super Rugby winning team of 2011.

TERRY HOLMES

The scrum-half great was back at the coaching helm when Cardiff and Swansea were expelled from the Welsh Premier Division over the length of loyalty agreements with the WRU.

Their rebel season saw both Welsh clubs play friendlies with English opposition while they were also allowed to play in the Swalec Cup with both reaching the semi-finals.

In the week prior to Cardiff’s clash with Llanelli, chairman Peter Thomas spoke to the players following a training session, where he emphasised the importance of winning the game, describing it as “the biggest game in the club’s history”.

Cardiff lost 39-10. Six days later, it was announced Holmes would stand down as coach at the end of the season, and Pontypridd and Wales assistant coach Lyn Howells would take charge on a two-year contract.

Holmes went on to coach Caerphilly before standing down in 2002 owing to his business commitments in property development.

LYNN HOWELLS

After their rebel season Howells delivered the Welsh-Scottish League title to the Arms Park outfit and successive quarter-final appearances in the Heineken Cup.

Cardiff strung together 17 successive wins en-route to league glory, were crowned champions with three matches to spare and put 65 points on Llanelli at Stradey Park in the Swalec Cup while he was in charge.

“I was there for two years and was told I was not good enough,” he said. “During that time we won the league and twice reached the last eight of the Heineken Cup. “The club is still in a situation where people there think, because they are Cardiff, that everything will turn out all right.”

He was replaced by South African Rudy Joubert while Howells had a spell as caretaker Welsh coach in 2001 before spending two seasons and Pontypridd and the Celtic Warriors with the advent or regional rugby.

He’s head coach of the Romanian national team.

RUDY JOUBERT

Joubert decided to quit the Arms Park after accepting an offer to return to his native South Africa but not before leading Cardiff to fourth in the Welsh-Scottish League and the knock-out stage of the Heineken Cup.

He was only at Cardiff for a year, but felt he could not turn down the opportunity to coach a Super 12 side in the Bulls.

Joubert had the distinction of being caught speeding three times in a little more than a fortnight on North Road, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

He is currently the Director of Rugby of the Falcons rugby team in his homeland.

DAI YOUNG

Young’s longevity at the Blues bucks the Arms Park trend and the former Lions and Wales front-rower became the first Welsh regional boss to win European silverware when they beat Toulon 28-21 in the 2009 Amlin Challenge Cup final.

He also guided the Blues to a Heineken Cup semi-final in 2009, where they were beaten in a penalty shoot-out by Leicester, and took them to Anglo-Welsh Cup success in the same year.

The former Wales and British and Irish Lions tight-head prop began his career at Swansea, and moved to Cardiff RFC before switching to rugby league with Leeds in 1990.

In 1991 Young moved to Salford, also playing for the Wales rugby league side before returning to union in 1996 and resurrecting his career with the Blue and Blacks, Wales and the Lions.

Young resigned from his Blues role in 2011 with a year left on his contract to move to English giants Wasps with a remit to boost the ailing fortunes of the two-time Heineken Cup and six-time Premiership champions.

GARETH BABER AND JUSTIN BURNELL

With the departure of Young, Baber and Burnell took on the role in July 2011 with their positions under review after the World Cup later that year.

The pair led the side to the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup.

But they endured a disappointing campaign in the RaboDirect Pro12 and were hammered by Leinster in that last eight clash in Europe.

The end of the season saw mass the announcement of mass playing departures, poor attendances and disappointing performances, with the Blues board later taking the drastic step of moving back to Cardiff Arms Park from Cardiff City Stadium after three years as tenants of the football club.

Burnell went on to work with London Welsh and Rotherham and is now head honcho at Pontypridd.

Baber was appointed head of Hong Kong’s rugby sevens before in October 2016 he signed a four-year contract to coach the Fijian sevens side.

PHIL DAVIES

The 46-times capped Welsh forward begun his coaching career with a lengthy spell at Leeds, he returned to his beloved Scarlets in 2006 and spent two seasons at the helm before losing his job.

He has also had spells as coach of Wales U20s and as forwards coach at Aviva Premiership outfit Worcester before being appointed as director of rugby at the Blues in May, 2012.

A month later it was reported Burnell and Baber were due to leave the region with Dale McIntosh and Paul John coming on coaching board.

In his first season, he took them to the Heineken Cup semi-finals, but a disappointing second year ended with him being shown the door.

Under his tenure, the Blues have played 58 competitive matches and won just 20 of them, losing 37 and drawing one.

He reemerged as Wales Under-20s boss and National Academy Manager, also acting as consultant head coach at Cardiff RFC, before joining Worcester as forwards coach in the summer of 2010.

He’s now coach of Llanelli in the Principality Premiership.

MARK HAMMETT

In May 2014 it was announced the Hurricanes coach was their new director of rugby on a three-year deal once the Super 15 season had finished.

In February 2015 the region announced the New Zealander was heading home with immediate effect after just six months in the job due to personal reasons.

He had a difficult time in the hot seat, with results not going his way.

The Blues have won just four of their 15 Guinness Pro12 matches and the campaign reached a new low when they were thumped 40-24 by lowly Treviso.

Since leaving Wales, Hammett was with the Sunwolves and since moved back to the Highlanders as assistant coach to Tony Brown.

DALE MCINTOSH AND PAUL JOHN

It was the second consecutive season they had filled in on a temporary basis, having done so when Phil Davies was shown the exit door the previous campaign following poor results.

But ex-Wales back-rower McIntosh moved on in the summer of 2015 after the appointment of Danny Wilson, who was given freedom to appoint his own backroom team.

Both applied, along with 33 others, to succeed Hammett on a permanent basis but No.1 target Wilson got the job after negotiating with English Championship club Bristol to be released from his contract following a year at Ashton Gate.

Former scrum-half John was kept on as backs coach at the Blues.

McIntosh went on the coach Merthyr and remains there while John left the Arms Park in February this year to take charge of the Hong Kong Sevens team.

DANNY WILSON

This week it was announced Wilson is to leave at the end of this season.

The Blues head coach has decided not to take up the option of extending his stay at the Arms Park into a fourth year.

The former Wales U20s boss has reportedly been targeted by Northampton, who want to bring him on board as forwards coach, while he is likely to attract further interest from elsewhere.

Wilson was appointed head coach at the Blues in the summer of 2015, having previously been forwards coach at the Dragons, the Scarlets and Bristol, as well as having spells with Cardiff RFC and London Welsh.

He had also led Wales U20s to second and third place finishes in the Junior World Championship in successive years.

The Blues finished seventh in the PRO12 in his first two years at the helm and reached the Challenge Cup quarter-final last season.


So who would be next to take what looks to be a bit of a poisoned chalice ?

LordDowlais wrote:
So who would be next to take what looks to be a bit of a poisoned chalice ?

They'll scour the world, as is the norm, then nab the first unsuspecting victim they spot walking too close along Westgate Street. Lee Jarvis? Shewerly not Howley? Shaun Edwards?

RiscaGame wrote:Think the WRU are going to have to step in here. Four regions. Ospreys, Scarlets, East Wales Dragons (playing out of Dave) and North Wales Blues. Seems to be the only realistic solution to me.

He'll have to go to somewhere like Scarlets or Saffacens to get any international recognition eh Nugget ?

Danny does have a heftly length CV for coaching already. Off the top of my head he's been at the Dragons, Scarlets, Blues, Wales U20s, and Bristol already. Maybe Tandy will get the heave-ho at the end of teh season, and he has been given the heads up and is after the complete regional set?

Griff wrote:He can't sit still, Wilson. What's that, 20 clubs in 3 seasons or something like that. Depends which way you like to look at it - he's either ambitious and takes opportunities as they present themselves, or he has some loyalty issues and will jump ship at the wave of a mars bar. I reckon the latter.

I had commented, before seeing this. Funny enough I said very similar to my wife last night when I was watching Chum V, its almost like he gets distracted by 'greener' pastures way too easy and lacks the fight to finish off what he has started.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Danny does have a heftly length CV for coaching already.  Off the top of my head he's been at the Dragons, Scarlets, Blues, Wales U20s, and Bristol already.  Maybe Tandy will get the heave-ho at the end of teh season, and he has been given the heads up and is after the complete regional set?

Oh god SS, I hope you are right, the only thing that hopefully you are wrong on is the time interval, it has to be a lot shorter, next week would be too long.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

Griff wrote:He can't sit still, Wilson. What's that, 20 clubs in 3 seasons or something like that. Depends which way you like to look at it - he's either ambitious and takes opportunities as they present themselves, or he has some loyalty issues and will jump ship at the wave of a mars bar. I reckon the latter.

I had commented, before seeing this.  Funny enough I said very similar to my wife last night when I was watching Chum V, its almost like he gets distracted by 'greener' pastures way too easy and lacks the fight to finish off what he has started.

Yeah, he does seem to be eating up the clubs. Has he actually had any success?! Not sure he's stuck around long enough anywhere!

"perhaps they need to take a look at themselves...", meh.

Cardiff Blues: Board and chairman must show leadership, says Gwyn Jones

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41466061

Not enough mirrors at CAP, Dave?

Griff wrote:Not enough mirrors at CAP, Dave?

Probably.

Danny Wilson has explained his reasons:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41455907