Young reflects on 'greatest coaching achievement'

Feb 15 2008 by Staff Reporter, Western Mail

NEW Barbarians coach Dai Young has described the appointment as the “greatest achievement” of his relatively short coaching career.

Young, who represented the Baa-Baas on six occasions, will lead the famous invitation side on a short summer tour.

This will include games against an International Invitation XV in Brussels and England in Twickenham. Other matches, possibly against full international opposition, are also planned.

“As a player, to be picked to play for the British Lions or Barbarians is the ultimate achievement,” said Young.

“So to be selected as Barbarians coach is the greatest achievement of my coaching career. I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

On the prospect of adding Test opposition to the schedule, Young added, “At the moment it is only one international, but we are hoping to add at least one more.

“Baa-Baas games are an opportunity for players to play with and pit themselves against the best in the world. It’s also an ideal opportunity for teams to get valuable game-time before tours.”

With summer tours and the effects of a long, hard season which has included the 2007 World Cup, Young expects many top players to be unavailable for Barbarians duty.

“World rugby is littered with quality players, many have international experience and pedigree,” he said. “The talent is exceptional and people will see it as a chance to meet up with old mates and make new ones.

“It was a fantastic honour to play for the Barbarians and, speaking to Tom Shanklin and Martyn Williams about their recent experiences at Twickenham, it has not changed all that much from when I was involved. When players of their quality want to play for the Barbarians, it shows the significance of these games.”

Young has named his strongest possible team for the table-topping Magners League clash at Leinster tomorrow.

Both teams are missing several key personnel with players rested during the Six Nations, although the Blues do welcome back three members of the Wales squad.

Robin Sowden-Taylor, Tom James and new cap Jamie Roberts, who made his Wales debut against Scotland last weekend, are available in order to get some valuable game-time.

Young said, “It is fantastic to have them back as we try to rediscover the form of the Heineken Cup.”

Leinster hope to name Shane Horgan on the wing as he continues his recovery from injury.

Blues: B Blair; J Roberts, J Robinson, G Thomas, T James; N Macleod, J Spice; J Yapp, G Williams, T Filise, S Morgan, P Tito, M Molitika, X Rush (capt) R Sowden-Taylor. Replacements: G Powell, T Rhys Thomas, B White, M Lewis, R Rees, R Jones, T Selley.