Welsh Rugby
Hanks keen for Blues role
ESPNscrum Staff
June 28, 2011
Tony Hanks talks to the media, Heineken Cup launch, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, September 27, 2010
Hanks left Wasps in February but is keen to step into Young's shoes at Cardiff © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Tony Hanks | Dai Young

Former Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks has spoken of his desire to take over at Cardiff Blues, should current coach Dai Young leave for Wasps.

Hanks left Wasps in February, following 21 months in charge, and is looking for a route back into coaching. Young is reportedly on the verge of leaving the Blues to take over as director of rugby at Wasps, but the two clubs are yet to confirm whether they have reached an agreement.

"The Blues role is a role that really excites me," Hanks told BBC Sport. "You only need to look at the history of the club. They have been there or thereabouts recently and might be disappointed that they haven't made the final leap, although they had a fantastic run in the Amlin last year."

The Blues won the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2010 and reached the Heineken Cup semi-final in 2009 under Young's guidance. Hanks, if given the opportunity, is looking forward to working alongside the current crop of Blues players despite the region's budget constraints.

"A lot of teams are in the same boat," Hanks said. "There is still a lot of quality out there that doesn't cost that much, if for example they are players that other people do not rate. That said, you look at the Blues squad and there are players that would command huge money if they played elsewhere.

"Gethin Jenkins is one of the best players in the world, Jamie Roberts was outstanding for the Lions and has been there and done that; Sam Warburton is a great prospect. I know [Wales coach] Warren Gatland well and he has told me about the talent that is coming through."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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