Peel at centre of coaching tug-of-war

CARDIFF Blues are insistent Dwayne Peel is contracted to them amid speculation he is being targeted by the Scarlets.

It was announced back in December that ex-Wales scrumhalf Peel would be moving from Ulster to join the Blues coaching staff this summer.

But there have been growing rumours over the past few days that he could be linking up with his former team, the Scarlets, instead.

Now there appears to be a tug-of-war developing over the man who played 76 times for Wales and started all three Tests on the 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand.

There is speculation Scarlets may be offering him the role of head coach working with Glenn Delaney, whereas his position with Cardiff is less specific as part of the coaching team.

It’s understood Cardiff are far from happy with the situation and are determined to stand their ground.

The issue has been brewing behind the scenes for three weeks now, causing a tense situation between the two sides.

Contacted last night for a comment, Cardiff chief executive Richard Holland said: “I was disappointed to hear the rumours circulating regarding an alleged approach from another region to Dwayne Peel.

“He signed a three-year deal with us in November and is due to arrive at the Arms Park in the summer and that hasn’t changed.

“Peel remains contracted to Cardiff Blues from May 2021 until May 2024.”

Quoted in the Blues press release back in December, Peel said: “I am really excited to come back to Wales.

“This opportunity at Cardiff Blues was impossible to turn down.

“To come back home to Wales and play a part in developing the next generation of players is really exciting.

“Cardiff Blues have a wealth of young attacking talent and enormous potential.”