BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Celtic | Joubert quits Cardiff

Rudy Joubert decided to quit as Cardiff coach on Thursday after accepting an offer to return to his native South Africa.

The 41-year-old has only been in Cardiff for a year, but felt he could not turn down the opportunity to coach a Super 12 side.

Cardiff wasted little time in announcing that former Wales captain David Young will now take over and work alongside Geraint John.

The 34-year-old prop has a clause in his contract promising he would take over as head coach at the Arms Park if Joubert goes.

Dai Young
Young has limited coaching experience
Joubert told BBC Wales Sport it had been a difficult decision to leave Cardiff.

He still does not know which side he will be coaching in South Africa, but the Blue Bulls in Pretoria is his likely destination.

"I was really looking forward to this season to take Cardiff forward," Joubert said.

"We've come a long way since I started here 12 months ago.

"But a great opportunity has arisen for me to be part of the Super 12 and hopefully I'll be in the running for the national job in three years time."

Jenkins seals Ponty return

The Cardiff board met on Thursday afternoon knowing that Joubert wanted to be released from the final year of his contract.

A spokesman for the South Africa Rugby Football Union confirmed last week that the governing body had already written to Cardiff asking for permission to enter into negotiations.

Joubert led Cardiff to second in the Welsh-Scottish League and the knock-out stage of the Heineken Cup last season - but his status within South Africa has improved considerably during that time.

Bringing through the youth set-up could be way forward

David Young

But Joubert's departure has opened the door for Young to take his chance at the top of the coaching ladder.

The former British Lion told BBC Radio Wales: "It is a big job, but I am not afraid of it. Of course, it's up to me to show what I can do and I am looking forward.

"We have lost a number of experienced players recently, but I am happy with the squad we have got.

"There are some good youngsters coming through and I think that is the way forward for Cardiff in the future."

Young said there were plans to bring in a team manager to help him carry out his objectives.

"I've got a good team around me, with likes of Geraint John, Huw Wiltshire, Mike Rayer and Howard Stone, but someone like a team manager could help take some of the pressure off," he said.


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