Young wants Johnson for Blues

Jan 17 2008 by Andy Howell, Western Mail

DAVID YOUNG last night spoke of rekindling his relationship with Scott Johnson when Rob Howley departs the Blues.

The future of former Wales skills guru and caretaker boss Johnson in the Australia set-up is in jeopardy following the Wallabies’ recruitment of Robbie Deans as their coach.

And Blues chief Young is keen to replace Wales-bound Howley with players’ pal Johnson for next season.

“I am talking to Scott. It all depends on his situation in Australia,” admitted the former Wales captain.

“He is under contract, but they have got a new coach.

“It hinges on how Robbie Deans wants to take things forward.”

Young was clear Johnson was his preferred assistant, the pair having struck up a friendship and close working relationship when the colourful Aussie was part of the Wales set-up between 2001-06.

“Scott would be my first choice. I would love to have him on board. We got on really well in the past,” said Young.

“He has gone on record in saying he would like to work with me. I think a decision on his future in Australia is imminent.”

Young accepts other teams will want to secure the services of Johnson amid claims Blues’ big Welsh rivals Ospreys are planning an audacious £150,000 bid to lure him to the Liberty Stadium.

“Obviously, with a bloke of his ability, we are not going to be the only ones interested in him.

“There are bound to be others, but Scott has said he would like to come back to Wales.

“I hope the fact I get on with him so well gives us a bit of an advantage.”

Young revealed the Blues had a back-up plan in place should Johnson, who recently married a Welsh bride, decide against returning to South Wales.

“We are also talking to two or three others because we can’t take anything for granted,” he explained.

“But we are not in any rush. Rob will definitely be here until May.”

The Blues, who will reach the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup for the first time since the region was formed five years ago if they win at Bristol on Sunday, received a pre-match boost when Kiwis Xavier Rush and Ben Blair agreed three-year contract extensions.

Skipper Rush, and points-scoring machine Blair, both New Zealand internationals, have been hugely influential in the gradual improvement of the Blues.

“I think both players have made big impacts since they’ve arrived,” said Young.

“They have made a big contribution in helping us move forward, and it’s pleasing to retain two quality players.

“It’s also a vote of confidence in us as well that they are seeing us move forward.”

No 8 Rush joined the Blues from their Auckland-based namesakes in 2005 and was appointed captain 12 months later. He has made 59 appearances, scoring 55 points.

Blair arrived from fellow New Zealand side Canterbury the following year and has scored 337 points in 41 games.

The fresh deals come hot on the heels of former Wales captain Gethin Jenkins and flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor signing long-term contracts with the Blues.