Will Cardiff Blues ever have the success that Cardiff RFC had before the regions where born. Every club, no matter what the sport, must have a clear identity so that players and supporters can feel they belong. Cardiff Blues were set up in 2003 as a region to stand independently of Cardiff RFC. Cardiff RFC joined the Celtic League, which brought minor success.
Cardiff RFC success is woven into the fabric of rugby history and even though Cardiff Blues stand independently, everywhere you look within the Arms Park ground and club house the bond is shared. Some would say Cardiff Blues will never attain the a clear identity that any successful rugby club needs.
Cardiff Blues Identity Lost or Hidden?
Troubles seem to have attached themselves to Cardiff Blues, with their most recent being the departure of the Director of Rugby Mark Hammett. Hammett leaves after he was with the club for just six months of his three-year contract citing “personal reasons.” The club is slipping through the Pro 12 league table quicker than sand through an egg timer after a run of recent poor results.
Since becoming a region, Cardiff Blues has never really found its true identity, having played at two grounds. They left the Arms Park to become tenants at Cardiff City stadium for about six years. Recently a strong financial package saw them return to their spiritual home Cardiff Arms Park (aka BT Stadium) to the delight of City and Blues supporters.
With Chief Executive Bob Noster resigning in 2011, the post was taken up by present Chief Executive Richard Holland in 2011. Under Holland’s reign as Chief Executive Blues have seen seven Director of Rugby in the past 12 years , six of these in the past four years has not helped the club at all. The longest running Director of Rugby stayed for eigh years:
Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby 2003 -2015
Dai Young (eight years) 2003 – 11: Resigned
Gareth Baber & Justin Burnell 2011- 2012 (caretakers) contract not renewed when Phil Davies came in.
Phil Davies 2012-2014 – Resigned with only six games left of last season.
Paul John & Dale McIntosh (Caretakers) Current
Mark Hammett – 2014-15 (left after only 6 months)
The Blues best ever league position since becoming a region was 2008-09 was when they reached the dizzy heights of 5th place. Following season 2009 -10 they beat Toulon 28-21 in the final of the Amlin Cup. Over the years they have stalled in the middle of the league. Therefore where does the blame lie for lack of focus, poor results in the league and cups having just crashed out 2015 LV cup and becoming now rooted in the lower half of the Guinness Pro 12.
Should the players be blamed for being so poor? After all, on paper the team sometimes reads like an unofficial Barbarians side with the present squad boasting a array of Welsh and International capped players. Therefore with such an array of talent shouldn’t the players hold their heads in shame for such dismal performances. Head Coaches can offer advice, train players hard and pick the best team possible. It is then down to the players once they walk out on to the field on how they perform and what decisions are made to win or lose a game.
Every player who puts a Blues jersey on should be under no illusion that every game whether its Cup or League should be played with the same intensity, passion and skill for that is what they are paid well for.
Does the blame lie squarely with the board for it is their job to employ the right Director of Rugby that can lead a squad of men to success. This will then allow board to take the club in a direction where they start having a separate identity from the much loved and respected Cardiff RFC for who they share the ground and facilities with.
Is the answer much simpler for Cardiff Blues Chief Executive Richard Holland and present board members? For the answer may lie with Blues successful feeder club Pontypridd RFC, whose true identity lies within the very roots of this club rich history. For this very successful happy family based club has basked in glory for a number of years. Taking the top spot in Principality Premier league for the past five seasons, as well as winning numerous cup finals.
With this in mind wouldn’t it be a good time that the board stopped splashing the cash and offer caretakers Pontypridd’s RFC ex player and coach Paul John and Dale McIntosh a three-year contract as Director of Rugby at Cardiff Blues. For success and respect seem to follow this pair around.
Whoever takes over as Director of Rugby it is essential they have the backing of the Board and the respect of the players. Infighting must stop for Cardiff Blues faithful’s have waited patiently in the south stand for success to happen.
Will Cardiff Blues ever reclaim their place among the greats of rugby again? After all, rugby starts and ends with passion and identity!
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