Dai Young joins Cardiff Blues as interim director of rugby

Cardiff Blues have confirmed the appointment of Dai Young as the interim director of rugby with immediate effect.

This will be Young's second association with the Blues after previously working with them between 2003 and 2011 and guided them to 2008/09 Heineken Cup semi-final and the final of the 2006/07 and 2007/08 Celtic League. He also had two separate stints that spanned across six seasons as a player and represented Wales in over 50 Tests.

The 53-year-old made a switch to Wasps in 2011 and in 2017 he led them to three consecutive play-offs including the 2017 final before leaving the role last year and also worked with Barbarians between 2008 and 2013.

The decision to appoint Young comes after the club saw head coach John Mulvihill making an exit last week.

“I am really excited for the opportunity to return to Cardiff Blues. This is a club I obviously know very well and am passionate about. I have a huge affinity with the area and many fond memories at the Arms Park," he told the official website of the club.

“There is already an exciting squad in place, with a lot of young talent coming through and staff that are already well known to me.

“I enjoyed nine great years here previously and return to Wales with a further nine years of experience in a different environment, culture and league structure with Wasps.

“Now is the right time to return to rugby and to do so with my home region is brilliant. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting started and helping to move the Blues forward.”