 Stone is an Arms Park stalwart |
Howard Stone has been axed as head coach at Cardiff RFC, with Wales Under-19 Grand Slam-winning coach Justin Burnell asked to take his place. Stone, who took over from Mike Rayer last May, is thought to have been asked to take the role of forwards coach.
But it is believed he will refuse after leading the Blue and Blacks to 10th in the Welsh Premier this season, a late recovery lifting them from the bottom.
Burnell will combine the role with his job as Blues regional academy manager.
He is seen as someone who can improve links between the club and regional sides.
Burnell is a former blind-side flanker with Pontypridd, Bridgend, Newbridge, Treorchy and Wales A.
After his playing career, he coached his hometown club of Llantwit Fardre, before returning to Pontypridd as academy coach.
He took over as head coach at Sardis Road for 2003/4, before moving on to the Blues academy position.
Former Cardiff number eight Stone progressed to be Cardiff Youth coach, and went on to become Rayer's side-kick for both the Under-21s and the Premier team.
He took over as head coach when Rayer accepted a position as Bedford's director of rugby.
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