Speculation over David Young increases
Despite Cardiff Blues issuing a firm statement confirming they have “had no approach from London Wasps regarding Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby David Young”, speculation has increased with the BBC today claiming “Wasps are aiming to name Cardiff Blues boss Dai Young as their new director of rugby”.
The 43 year old former Wales, Lions and Cardiff prop has contractual obligations at Cardiff and any move by Wasps to secure his services would be subject to Young negotiating a release from the Blues. The statement from the Blues is unequivocal in that respect: “David Young is still in contract at the Blues and has one year to run on that contract, which we expect him to honour.”
Regional chairman, Peter Thomas says: “I have always said that I think Dai’s next port of call after the Cardiff Blues should be with the Wales national set up…” This indicates he expect Young to stay and move up to the Welsh National scene once his tenure at Cardiff comes to an end. Young may have other ideas, his ambitions to coach Wales are real, but he believes he needs experience of running an English Premiership team and Wasps would be a suitable challenge for his talents.
Despite a relatively successful few years, in which Young has led the Blues to victories in the EDF trophy, the Amlin cup and to within a single kick of the Heineken European Cup final, losing to Leicester in the much maligned penalty shoot-out, which was subsequently dropped from the competition, he has been under pressure with little or no resources in evidence at the cash strapped region.
His star has risen recently, coaching the Baa Baas at the tail end of last season, taking the scalps of England and Wales, but next season was always going to be a trial at Cardiff. With no prospect of improving the side and the potential for embarrassing early exits from competitions and a drain of players, Young could be on a hiding to nothing and a record which would inevitably tarnish his reputation. This makes the Wasps job look attractive and the prospect of linking up with Wales coach Sean Edwards may be enough to swing the pendulum in the direction of the London outfit. Ironically, it would see him taking charge of a team that next season will include ex-Cardiff number 10, Nicky Robinson who has also enhanced his reputation over the last couple of seasons, becoming arguably one of the best three outside-halves in the Aviva Premiership – a stark contrast with the Blues who have struggled at 10 since his departure.
