Tigers pounce on Blues' Young
Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:19
Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas on Monday night kicked up somewhat of a fuss as English giants Leicester threatened to raid Welsh rugby for coach Dai Young.
The former European champions’ interest in Young has intensified as they seek a replacement for sacked Argentine Marcelo Loffreda, with Tigers chiefs believed to want immediate talks with the ex-Wales prop.
But with a third Welsh regional coaching departure on the agenda, following the removal of Phil Davies and Lyn Jones from the Scarlets and Ospreys respectively, millionaire Thomas insisted he did not believe his man would even contemplate leaving the Arms Park.
He added that when Young does eventually move on from the Blues it should only be to become the coach of Wales.
"I am flattered on Dai’s behalf that a wonderful club like Leicester should be interested in him, it is a reflection on us, that we are going in the right direction," Thomas told the Western Mail.
"But I cannot see it happening myself. Dai is under contract for two years and the last time we spoke he was full of enthusiasm about the squad, the new training facilities and the new stadium.
"I cannot see him even contemplating this. His heart and soul is with the Blues and he is too loyal and too committed to leave us at the moment.
"I have no doubt that one day Dai Young will be involved at a higher level.
"He has worked with the Barbarians but I am sure there could be opportunities with the British Lions as well.
"I have always said too that he is a Wales coach for the future. Maybe three or four years down the line that may materialise.
"I hold Dai in the highest esteem and there are bound to be top clubs in Europe wanting a coach of his quality.
"But I say categorically, he is too committed to us," Thomas added.
However, Thomas may be underestimating the pulling power of one of the biggest clubs in the history of northern hemisphere rugby.
Leicester have been linked with high-profile names like World Cup winner Jake White, former Blue Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer, recently deposed Irish supremo Eddie O’Sullivan and All Blacks assistant Wayne Smith.
Neil Back, the former England and Lions flank who is currently technical director and defence coach at Welford Road, is also on record about how he covets the chance to succeed Loffreda.
But Young, whose pure technical coaching ability and track record in improving the Blues year on year is admired far more in England than it is in Wales, has emerged as a real dark horse for one of the hottest seats in the game.
