Cardiff Blues have appointed Xavier Rush as their new defence coach after the No.8 was forced to retire.
New Zealander hangs up his boots
Cardiff Blues have appointed Xavier Rush as their new defence coach after the No.8 was forced to retire.
The former All Black, who arrived in Cardiff in 2005 from Auckland, has been advised to hang up his boots after suffering a neck injury in the Heineken Cup loss to the Leinster.
And despite being disappointed at having to end his playing career, Rush is excited about his new role.
Rush told the club's official site: "I'm really looking forward to the new role and working under Phil Davies.
"He's an experienced coach in his own right and just in terms of the chats we've been having I'm sure I'm going to learn a lot.
"I look forward to working alongside him and the staff there already.
"Rugby has been a massive part of my life and I think I have a lot of experience within the game.
Superb
"Obviously coaching is a different skill-set and one that I will have to learn and learn quickly but I look forward to developing some youngsters and being part of a game that I dearly love."
Rush admits he is still to adjust to no longer playing.
"I'd like to thank all the medical and conditioning staff who have been superb with me not only with this injury but over the years as well," he said.
"It's not really sunk in that I won't play again because it's the off season.
"When the boys kick off back down at the Arms Park then I think reality will hit and I'll miss being out there with them.
"This would have been my 17th season and I would have been a professional rugby player for as long as I haven't been a professional rugby player, so it's going to take a bit of getting used to."
Meanwhile Blues has confirmed Justin Burnell - who was joint-head coach last season - has left the club.
Blues chief executive Richard Holland said "We would like to thank him for the commitment that he has shown over the years and we wish him the very best for the future."
