Who will take Cardiff Blues?
Lyn Jones Has been around the block, coaching Neath, the Ospreys to two league titles, London Welsh to a shock promotion to the Aviva Premiership and was head honcho at Dragons until April last year.
Has recently resurfaced as head coach of the Welwitschias – a Namibian team playing in the South African Currie Cup competition – and would most likely be interested in the Blues. Verdict: His unconventional and different management methods, plus his failure at the Dragons, would probably put off Blues big-wigs. Nigel Davies Has vast rugby experience, having captained Wales and the Scarlets, as well as being Wales backs coach and caretaker chief, director of rugby at the Scarlets and Gloucester.
Was sacked by the Cherry and Whites three years ago and has since failed to land a big job. Had two seasons at Ebbw Vale, building on the work of Jason Strange as they were crowned Principality Premiership champions in his first only to fall away last term. Verdict: Joined current Premiership champions Merthyr, who are bankrolled by Blues’ chairman Peter Thomas’ brother Sir Stanley Thomas, as chief executive this season, but a transfer down the A470 is not out of the question although a sketchy success rate as a coach could count against him. Kingsley Jones Came close to getting the job at the Blues on a previous occasion, but it went to Phil Davies on a split decision, and he ended up at the Dragons via London Welsh and Russia. Was moved on from the Dragons by new owners WRU when they took over a few months ago and has just succeeded Mark Anscombe as coach of Canada although the Blues may be a more attractive proposition should they come calling. Verdict: Was an important figure in Sale Sharks lifing the English title and London Welsh being promoted to the Premiership, but his credentials took a hit at the Dragons, which may rule him out. Matt Sherratt The Englishman was brought in as Blues backs coach by Danny Wilson, who had worked with him at Bristol, last season and filled that role with Wales during last autumn’s Test series. Verdict: ‘Jockey; as he’s known, is already part of the management and is likely to be considered by Arms Park chiefs as a candidate for promotion. Jason Strange In the same mould as Stephen Jones, being an ex-outside-half and innovative thinker who likes his teams to express themselves.
Got Ebbw Vale promoted to the Welsh Premiership and they reached the play-off final in their first season back in it.
Is a coach on the WRU staff and has done a solid job as Wales Under-20 boss, unearthing talent like Keelan Giles, and working on the individual skills of players. Verdict: If the WRU was to have a hand in the appointment of Wilson’s successor, Strange could make the frame with a need to give home-bred coaches a chance at regional level. Mike Rayer A hugely-popular full-back with the Arms Park faithful for his exploits with Cardiff RFC during the 1990s, as well as helping Wales to the 1994 Five Nations crown.
Has been coach of English Championship Bedford for a number of years, losing to big-spending Bristol last weekend. Verdict: May be a long-shot because he’s been away for so long, but is still fondly remembered by supporters. Was a classy and skilled player with vision, and certainly knows his rugby.