Cardiff Blues News
Blues look to appoint director of rugby
ESPNscrum Staff
April 17, 2012
Blues backs coach Gareth Baber, Cardiff Blues v Aironi, RaboDirect PRO12, Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, November 24, 2011
Blues backs coach Gareth Baber will be retained in a new coaching structure © PA Photos
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Teams: Cardiff Blues | Wales

The Cardiff Blues have confirmed that they are on the lookout for a new director of rugby ahead of next season.

After Dai Young departed from the RaboDirect PRO12 side last summer, coaches Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell took control of the team. While they reached the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup, the Blues look set for harder times next season. With financial constraints now coming to the fore in Wales, the Blues will be without star prop Gethin Jenkins and look set to also lose Alex Cuthbert cross-Channel.

Burnell and Baber will retain their roles within the coaching structure and the Blues have confirmed that they are seeking someone with a firm knowledge of Welsh rugby.

"Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell must be commended for getting the team to the quarter final of the Heineken Cup," Cardiff Blues chief executive Richard Holland said. "Being in the top eight teams in Europe is no mean feat.

"However, there is no doubting that it has been a difficult first season for them in charge of the senior side, the financial constraints being announced and players departing has contributed to this.

"Both coaches came through the Blues system and have done a superb job developing some world class players such as Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny and Bradley Davies during their time coaching our academy.

"The search for the new director of rugby will begin immediately. We are looking for a candidate who has had previous experience in this role and obviously an excellent understanding of Welsh rugby."

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