Rob Howley could make an immediate return to rugby as a coach. The former Wales and Wasps scrum-half retired from playing on Monday because of an ongoing wrist injury.
Cardiff, one of Howley's former clubs, are considering appointing an assistant to help out Blues coach Dai Young.
While a spokesman denied that they have any particular person in mind, BBC Sport understands that Howley would be welcome back at the Arms Park.
"We have a plan over the next year and a half, and that hasn't changed," said Cardiff spokesman Alan Evans.
"If someone becomes available that we're interested in, we might bring someone in, but that is not linked to any particular person.
"We do not respond to rumours and that's all this is.
"We have learned our lesson from the past, when we have been unfairly treated by our local press."
The Blues have struggled on the pitch since their inception as a regional team created from Cardiff RFC.
It is thought that the preferred role for any assistant to Young would be as a forwards or defensive coach. Howley's area of expertise is obviously in the backs, but the 34-year-old is a keen student of the game.
He has taken much on board from the teachings of Wasps defensive coach Shaun Edwards, the former Great Britain rugby league international.
Young is still learning as a coach and Cardiff may yet question the wisdom of appointing one fledgling coach to help another.
Howley would relish a return to his favourite former club.
But he will surely be offered a role somewhere else if Cardiff do not, if indeed he is forced to call time on his glittering playing career.
MMIX
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Sending Howley to help out Young would be like tossing a life preserver to the Titanic to keep it afloat