Dai gets to know ‘talented’ young guns

DAI Young has now got his feet back under the table at Cardiff Blues and believes the future of the region is bright as he prepares to return to PRO14 action next weekend.

Former Wasps director of rugby Young is back in charge in the Welsh capital and his only game at the helm so far was an impressive win over Scarlets in Llanelli.

There has been no PRO14 action for the Blues for the last three weeks giving Young the chance to look at his squad in depth. He likes what he sees.

“We’ve got a really talented squad and it’s my job to get the best out of it,” he said. “That’s what myself and the coaches want to do over the next few months.

“It’s still quite a young squad, but there is talent there and we are confident we can move it forward.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve been really impressed with the application within the squad and the work rate and commitment. They want to be challenged. They want to achieve things and we’re all on the same page.”

Young’s side face Connacht on Saturday and warmed up for the Galway clash with a friendly against Ospreys on Friday in which Wales flanker Ellis Jenkins made his first appearance since a horror knee injury in 2018.

Young is without 11 players who are involved with Wales’ Six Nations campaign – Cardiff trio Willis Halaholo, James Botham and Lloyd Williams were all added to Wayne Pivac’s squad last week as injury cover leaving Young’s options depleted for the Connacht trip.

Still, Young is excited by the younger players at his disposal. They are sure to be tested while the PRO14 continues alongside the Six Nations.

Young added: “The internationals are away and when you join a new club you tend to know the big-name players. It’s the players underneath that you’re not so familiar with.

“The game on Friday was another chance to get to know what I’ve got to work with and for the players to get a meaningful game.”