Young joins on a four-year deal from the Cardiff Blues where he has been at the helm since 2002, first as head coach and then as Director of Rugby. He takes the reigns at the beginning of July of a new-look London Wasps side which will welcome more than 10 new senior squad players next season.

Bringing with him a strong pedigree of top level club experience from the Welsh based Blues, whom he has guided to Heineken Cup quarter and semi-finals, Young also brings wealth of knowledge of the demands needed to become a top player. The ex-international prop, won 51 caps for his country as well as travelling on three British and Irish Lions tours.

Young also has experience coaching in international rugby as he has led the Barbarians as head coach for the past four years on their European touring schedule.

London Wasps Chief Executive Chris Thomas said: “We are delighted to welcome Dai to London Wasps and we believe he is exactly the right person to take the club forward. Dai brings a wealth of experience to the club and this is an appointment for the long-term. We remain an ambitious club and want to be competing at the highest level. Dai is the person to help us achieve these ambitions. Dai has done a sterling job in Cardiff, developing a host of young talent into international quality players as well as building an excellent team with strong spirit. We were hugely impressed with his vision for London Wasps which is in keeping with our key objective of developing sustained long-term success.”

With the club having added a number of new faces to the squad for next season including England hooker Steve Thompson, fly-half Nicky Robinson and former All Black Ross Filipo, Thomas added that Young would have a strong group of players to worth with.

“We have worked very hard in recent months to put together a squad for next season which will give us far more balance and Dai will lead a squad which combines some hugely exciting young talent as well as some hard-nosed top level experience. “

Dai Young said “This is an enormous opportunity for me. I have loved my time with Cardiff but I am looking forward to a new experience in a new environment. There is a hugely talented group of players here to work with and the challenge to help get a great club into a position where they are once again challenging for success was too good to turn down.

The event will be hosted by the RFU and Wales is the only nation outside England where matches will be played.

Details of the schedule of matches to be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will be confirmed when the full tournament structure is announced in due course.

The decision to confirm games will be played in Wales has been welcomed by the WRU Chairman David Pickering and the Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis.

David Pickering, who is also a Wales representative on the IRB Council and executive board, said: “I am delighted for Wales and for Welsh rugby that this decision has now been confirmed.

“I want to thank my colleagues on the IRB Council and the RFU for recognising the benefit of playing games across the border in Wales.

“I’m also grateful for the support of the Welsh Assembly Government and First Minister Carwyn Jones who we’ve consulted on this matter.”

“Cardiff is extremely accessible by road, rail and air while the city centre location of the Millennium Stadium is now firmly established as a huge benefit for visiting fans.

“Our proximity to the west of England and London means the Millennium Stadium makes enormous sense as a venue for these important fixtures.

“The Rugby World Cup is now one of the greatest tournaments on the sporting calendar and Wales can be proud to be playing a pivotal role in its delivery.

“Our history as a proud rugby nation is well known and I am so pleased that thousands of Welsh rugby fans will now be able to claim real involvement in this great competition.

“Wales now has a seat on the top table of world rugby and we play a huge role in sustaining and developing the sport around the globe.

“2015 is going to be a fantastic year for rugby and, yet again, Wales will feature prominently in an epic occasion for our sport.”

WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis, said: “This is a great honour for Welsh rugby and I know the staff at the Millennium Stadium will ensure the event is a huge success.

“This announcement is true confirmation of our status as worthy hosts of some of the most iconic events staged in Europe.

“We have just hosted a sensational Heineken Cup Final and are already looking forward to welcoming Olympic soccer to Wales next year.

“The Millennium Stadium now plays a crucial role in helping to confirm Wales as a nation capable of hosting major events successfully.

“In a few weeks’ time the stadium will host two concerts by Take That which is yet more proof of the incredible versatility of the venue.

“The stadium is wholly owned and operated by the WRU and we can take credit as an organisation for utilising that asset properly and effectively in a highly competitive commercial environment.

“Images of the stadium are now seen around the world on television screens featuring the events we host and our nation benefits both financially and culturally by its impact.

“The Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events around and I want to congratulate the RFU for their success is securing such a prestigious event.”

The 24-year old becomes the third new addition in recent weeks following announcements that Tristan Roberts (Doncaster) and Louis Silver (Worcester) will join the Club at the end of 2010/11 campaign.

Liam Middleton commented: “I’m pleased that Tom has committed himself to Bristol, he brings with him considerable Magners League and Heineken Cup experience. I’ve been most impressed with his approach to scrum half play and his ambition to develop himself further at this Club.”

Slater joined Cardiff from Coventry at the beginning of the 2009/10 season. He represented Wales in the IRB Sevens World Series in 2009 and was one of the youngest players ever to be selected for the Barbarians when he was called up to the Baa-Baas in March 2008.

Slater has made 13 first-team appearances for Cardiff this season, featuring twice for the Blues in the Heineken Cup against Edinburgh and Castres.

He said: “I feel extremely proud to have committed to Bristol Rugby for the forthcoming season. Bristol is a club with big ambitions and I’m very excited about Liam’s vision for the Club.”

Wales and British Lions full back Lee Byrne met with Pudsey Bear at the Millennium Stadium to announce that BBC Children in Need will be bringing a feast of entertainment to the iconic venue for Wales’ Autumn Series fixture against Fiji on Friday 19th November (kick-off 7.30pm).

The annual Children in Need show will beam images of a packed-out Millennium Stadium live to BBC’s nationwide television audience during the half-time break when Wales meet their Rugby World Cup nemesis side Fiji, in the special ‘Children in Need Game’.

Welsh rugby’s Friday night fixture, which traditionally attracts families and groups of children due to the discounted rate available for under 16s, will be enhanced by the star-studded entertainment schedule planned.

The ten minute show from the hallowed pitch will be broadcast on BBC One in full during the main BBC Children in Need Appeal, which raises huge amounts of money for disadvantaged children.

Byrne, who made his international debut in the Autumn internationals of 2005 when he came on as a replacement full back against New Zealand, is looking forward to a gruelling November series.

“You always remember your first game in a Wales shirt and despite losing the game on the day it was pretty special to make my debut against the All Blacks in front of a capacity Millennium Stadium crowd,” he said.

“The Series this year will be as tough as it gets with Australia and South Africa joining New Zealand and Fiji on the fixture list.

“We will need all the support we can get from the Wales fans on that Friday night against Fiji, we all know what happened when they knocked us out of the world cup three years ago and we only beat them by a point the time before that.

“That would have been my first start for Wales against Fiji in 2005 and we’ve had some great wins since then, beating Australia in 2008 and obviously winning the Grand Slam that year as well.

“It should be pretty special atmosphere on that third Friday in November, knowing we must face Fiji in our Rugby World Cup pool the following year and the ‘Children in Need’ show should really enhance the atmosphere.

“They are always exciting games against the Fijians and I hope we can show this great charity the respect it deserves by replicating the entertainment on display at half time out on the pitch and helping in any way we can with the Appeal.”

Head of BBC Children in Need in Wales, Marc Phillips, said: “Uniting BBC Children in Need with the Wales v Fiji match will help deliver a spectacular Appeal, with the biggest live audience a Children in Need event has ever had.

“Pudsey may not be ready to take his place in the Welsh team, but he’ll certainly make his presence felt in the Millennium Stadium – and all for the benefit of disadvantaged children and young people here in Wales. Many thanks to the Welsh Rugby Union and the Wales Team for their ready co-operation.”

Welsh rugby has a history of supporting BBC Children in Need to create magical moments for children in Wales and the UK, but this year promises to raise the profile even more with a very special night at the home of Welsh sport and more exciting announcements to come.

There’s still a chance to be part of the rugby action in Cardiff with tickets available from £20 for adults and £10 for children at www.wru.co.uk/tickets and via telephone 08442  777 888 and to personal callers at Cardiff Arms Store, 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff.

Also the WRU has announced an exclusive offer for school and junior group bookings at Wales v Fiji, with one free adult ticket per group of eight children booked (at £10 each). To take advantage of the offer, please contact: rosst@wru.co.uk

For an extra special experience away from the crowds, official hospitality packages can be purchased from £99 per person at www.millenniumstadium.com.

Selected tickets are still available for all Autumn Series fixtures at Millennium Stadium, priced from £60 for games against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Visit the WRU website for further details.

Rhys Wiliiams - forced retirement

Educated at Ysgol Iolo Morganwg and Cowbridge Comprehensive School, Rhys burst onto the international scene in 2000 making his Wales debut in the Six Nations Championship match against Ireland in Dublin, playing at full-back.

He had already represented Wales at all age grade levels from Under 16 to Under 21, playing in the Youth World Cup in 1999. He went on to win 44 caps for Wales playing at full-back and wing and starred for Wales during the 2005 six nations, scoring two tries against Scotland on the way to Wales’ first Grand Slam for 27 years.

At club level, Rhys progressed through the age grade system at Cardiff RFC before making a try scoring debut as an 18 year old for the senior side in the 98/99 season. He was also part of the Cardiff RFC squad that won the Welsh-Scottish League title in 1999.

His record for Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Blues makes impressive reading, scoring 100 tries in 187 appearances for the club and then the region. He is in joint 7th place with Tom James in the all time top scorers for the Cardiff Blues with 100 points (20 tries) and was Captain of the Blues during the 2005/06 season.

Williams - a great servant for club and country

Speaking of the announcement Rhys said: “I’m obviously massively disappointed to receive the news from the Doctors, but I hope in the future to look back on my rugby career and be proud of my achievements in the game.”

“Rugby has been a huge part of my life and has given me many wonderful opportunities and memories.”

“I’ve been fortunate enough to see the world while playing the game I love and have met a lot of people and made many lifelong friends.”

“To Captain the Cardiff Blues during the 2005/06 season was a huge honour and I’m also proud that I’ve only ever played for my hometown of Cowbridge and for Cardiff and the Blues.”

“I’m also vey proud to have represented my country on 44 occasions.”

“I’d like to thank everyone at the Cardiff Blues and to all the supporters for all the encouragement they have given me, especially over the challenges of the last few seasons.”

“I would especially like to thank my wife Liz and family for all their support and also to my namesake, surgeon Rhys Williams and the Cardiff Blues medical team headed up by Tim Atter for all their efforts over the last year.”

“A new chapter in my life begins and I’m looking forward to gaining some experience in the business world.”

Speaking of the announcement Cardiff Blues CEO, Robert Norster said; “Throughout his entire illustrious playing career with Cardiff RFC, the Blues and the Wales national team, Rhys Gethin Williams has consistently proved to be the proverbial model professional. The level of warmth and affection he attracts from people across the game is perhaps unsurprising given his impressive rugby and athletic abilities, good nature and profile topped off with an almost unhealthy level of good looks! Joking aside, he remains a most genuine individual with a hugely likeable character who continues to represent our team and indeed our national sport so exceptionally well.

“Having fought so tirelessly to repeatedly rehabilitate following an appalling catalogue of injuries, it is fully understandable that this day has sadly now arrived. However, an enforced and premature retirement it most certainly is at the tender age of just 29 years of age. An articulate individual with an impressive skill set both on and off the field of play, Rhys is better positioned than many to successfully develop his onward career. Despite having done so much in his curtailed playing career, it is an absolute certainty that Cardiff Blues and the national sport of Wales has not heard or seen the last of this impressive ambassador of our game.”

Blues Director of Rugby, David Young added; “It is always a sad day when a player is forced to hang up his boots and even sadder one when one of the genuine good guys is put in that position which Rhys most certainly is. On the field, his pace and elusive qualities were an integral part of his success and marked him out as a special performer with try-scoring abilities up there with the very best to have ever worn the shirt. His game understanding is also of the highest order as was evident in his time as captain of the team and will serve him well in any onward involvement in the game he may choose to pursue.”

“On behalf of everyone at the Blues, I wish him every success following what has been a long, successful and distinguished playing career”.

Sir Tasker's daughter: Lady Mair Griffith-Williams unveiled the statue

A bronze statue of Sir Tasker Watkins, VC, has been unveiled today (Sunday 15 November) at the Millennium Stadium in the heart of Cardiff as a permanent memorial to one of the most accomplished Welshmen of the late 20th century.

It will stand in prominence on the elevated section of the main stadium entrance in Westgate Street where hundreds of thousands of visitors pass by throughout the year when major events and games are staged.

The bronze statue was unveiled today by his daughter, Lady Mair Griffith-Williams at a ceremony following a march past by troops and the band from the 2nd battalion of the Royal Welsh Regiment.

More than 150 VIPs attended the ceremony including the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, The Archbishop of Wales and Major General R J M Porter.

The Welsh Rugby Union was represented by President, Dennis Gethin, Chairman David Pickering and Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis.

Sir Tasker Watkins, who died in September 2007 aged 88, was widely regarded as one of the most influential Welshmen of the late 20th century and achieved global recognition for his achievements in several fields of individual endeavour.

Sir Tasker Watkins - one of Wales's greatest heroes

His rise to prominence in rugby administration and the law was achieved after his reputation was secured by a wartime act of bravery which earned him the Victoria Cross for exceptional valour.

He was President of the Welsh Rugby Union from 1993 until 2004 during 11 years which saw the game turn professional, the four Welsh Regions formed and the Millennium Stadium built.

As an accomplished barrister he rose through the judiciary to achieve one of the highest legal positions in the UK when he became the Deputy Chief Justice of England and Wales.

Throughout his life he retained a close and proud association and affinity with Glamorgan Wanderers RFC on the outskirts of Cardiff.

A military march began at Cardiff Castle today, through Westgate Street and to the Millennium Stadium where troops formed a guard of honour at the unveiling ceremony.

Lady Mair Griffith-Williams said: “”I am very proud that my father has been commemorated by this wonderful statue and particularly pleased it is here at the Millennium Stadium. The family is extremely grateful to everyone who has made this possible.”

The concept for a statue at the Millennium Stadium began when Cardiff based businessmen, Mr Stanley Thomas Senior and Sir Stanley Thomas, championed the idea which was then commissioned by the Welsh Rugby Union, the Welsh Assembly Government and Cardiff County Council.

WRU President, Dennis Gethin, said: “This statue is a fitting tribute to a Welshman who achieved such distinction through his involvement in the military, the law and rugby.

“His endeavours displayed astonishing courage, a remarkable intellect, profound wisdom and a sense of honour which earned him the respect of all who met him.

“This statue will serve as a signal to future generations that the dignity and humanity he always displayed are values all of us must strive to emulate throughout our lives.

“I am lucky to have counted Sir Tasker as a friend and, like everyone else who knew him, I was influenced by his example and humbled by his courtesy and caring nature.

“The impact he had on the professional, legal, sporting and cultural life of Wales cannot be underestimated and must be remembered by history.”

The First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, said: “Sir Tasker was a unique individual, and I stand by my belief that he was truly one of the outstanding Welshmen of the 20th century.

“The £25,000 funding from the Assembly Government towards his statue will ensure that Sir Tasker’s remarkable contribution to Welsh rugby and his services as a soldier and judge will never be forgotten, just as he never forgot his roots in the heart of the Welsh Valleys.

“When people visit the Millennium Stadium, they will look up to him as an iconic example of a man who was both gifted and determined, but at the same time, courageous and humble. Now Wales can continue to be inspired by his legacy for years to come.”

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said: “Sir Tasker’s lifetime of service to his country in so many different roles; war hero, lawyer, judge and sports administrator, is unparalleled.

“This statue, sited so closely to the national home of the game he loved, is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man.”

The bronze statue of Sir Tasker stands nine foot high on a concrete plinthe above the ramp at ground entrance three to the Millennium Stadium.

It was sculpted by the Llantwit Major based artist, Roger Andrews, who has built an international reputation as a sculptor of human figures and landmark buildings.

He said: “This is by far the most thrilling project I have ever been involved in.

“I am so pleased that this statue of such a famous and well respected Welshman will be permanently housed outside the home of rugby here in Wales.

“If I never completed another work I am certain this is the one sculpture I passionately wanted to create.

“In order to achieve a true likeness of the man I have spoken to many of his friends and family because I wanted to capture his character as well as his physical likeness.

“Everyone I have talked to has spoken in awe of Sir Tasker who was clearly a great Welshman and also a genuinely likeable individual.”