Coaching Changes

By Andrew Colins
June 29 2013

Ponty RFC Head Coach and Cardiff RFC backs coach both join the Blues staff on a part time basis.

Kiwi-born McIntosh arrived in Wales in 1989, settling in Ynysybwl, before taking up a contract with Pontypridd as a promising youngster. He won one cap for Wales, playing against South Africa in 1996.

He became a cult figure at Sardis road, embodying all the attributes the House of Pain faithful expected to see from their players; grit, determination, tenacity and a never-say-die attitude.

Following the demise of the Celtic Warriors in 2004, Chief, as he had become affectionately known, became a WRU Rugby Development Officer for the South Wales Valleys, while continuing to play for Ponty.

In 2010, he became head coach at Sardis Road, and has enjoyed success winning the Swalec Cup in 2011, topping the Principality league in 2012. This year, Chief completed an historic double, defending the League title and winning the cup.

He joins the Blues coaching staff on a part-time basis, while remaining Head Coach at Pontypridd. He will be focus on developing the Blues’ promising forwards.

Mark Ring needs little introduction to Cardiff fans. An entertaining, charismatic and somewhat extravagant fly half, he won 32 caps for Wales, including a famous Triple Crown win in 1988. He was a natural talent who had the skills, the style and the arrogance to back himself. However, his maverick approach to rugby also saw him fall out of favour with both Cardiff and Wales, as his physical fitness and professional attitude came into question.

His last match at the top level was the inaugural Heineken Cup final, when Cardiff lost to Toulouse in extra time.

His coaching career has seen spells with West Hartlepool RFC, Cardiff RFC, Penzance and Newlyn Pirates, but it was at Caerphilly RFC where he gained his first real plaudits. Following stints at Old Crescent, in Ireland, Tetbury RFC, near Gloucester, University of Glamorgan and Pontypridd, he took over Cross Keys as Head Coach. He gained great praise for his role here, taking Keys to a very respectable position in the league, gaining many admirers along the way for their fast and fluent attacking brand of rugby.

He has since been working as backs coach at Cardiff RFC, a position he will maintain while working part-time with the Blues. He will be mainly working on skills with the backs.

Both coaches join Andy Kyriacou in a new-look set up below Phil Davies, with Xavier Rush departing for pastures new. Blues fans will be united in hoping the back-room changes also bring a change to their fortunes on the pitch, with the Blues winning just 11 games from their 32 fixtures last year.

McIntosh’s background makes him a proven and experienced coach, who most fans will be pleased to have on board. Given the tight budget clearly being operated by the Blues, this seems a wise and shrewd acquisition. Ring, however, may excite fans less. Though a one-time fan favourite, he’s not the elite-level coach that the Blues desperately need. The lack of tries last year was a massive concern, and though we all know it was a young team that took to the field last year, the lack of tactical nous and game management is an issue that couldn’t be overlooked.

Both will have their work cut out with the Blues, who have seen seven first team players depart of the summer, with just two quality signings arriving. The full list of arrivals and departures can be found below, courtesy of the Blues website.

Players Arriving

Gethin Jenkins – Toulon
Matthew Rees – Scarlets
Richard Smith - Cardiff RFC / Wales sevens
Miles Normandale - Blues Academy
Aled Summerhill - Blues Academy
Ben Roach - Blues Academy
Ellis Jenkins - Blues Academy
Tom Pascoe - Blues Academy
Will Thomas - Blues Academy

Players Departing

 Jamie Roberts - Racing Metro
Ceri Sweeney - Exeter Chiefs
Tom James - Exeter Chiefs
Michael Paterson - Sale Sharks
Jason Tovey - Newport Gwent Dragons
Campese Ma'afu – Nottingham
Ryan Harford - Cardiff RFC
Nathan Trevett - London Welsh
Matthew Screech - Newport Gwent Dragons
Darren Harries – Scarlets
Jake Cooper Wooley - London Wasps
Cory Hill - Moseley Rugby
Petru Tamba – Unattached
Andi Kyriacou – Retired

Coaching arrivals

Andi Kyriacou
Dale McIntosh
Mark Ring

Coaching departure

Xavier Rush leaves the coaching set up