Cardiff Blues still chasing Scott Johnson
Cardiff Blues director of rugby Dai Young has admitted that there is “every likelihood” that Scott Johnson will join their coaching staff.
Cardiff Blues director of rugby Dai Young has admitted that there is “every likelihood” that Scott Johnson will join their coaching staff.
Johnson, Australia's assistant coach at last year's World Cup, has been made surplus to requirements under new Australian coach Robbie Deans and has since been heavily linked to a move back to Wales.
The former Wales coach is Young's number one target to replace outgoing backs coach Rob Howley who will take up a permanent role with Wales at the end of the current season.
“We've talked to Scott and there is every likelihood of him joining us,” Young told BBC Sport Wales.
Johnson returned to Australia in 2006 to assist John Connolly as Australia coach, but has continuously been linked with jobs in Wales.
The 44-year-old conceded in June last year that he would be interested in a coaching post at the Arms Park.
Johnson admitted that friend and Blues coach Young is “someone I will coach with in future, there's no doubt about it”.
Johnson has now been released by the Australian Rugby Union following Connolly's sacking in the aftermath of the Wallabies' World Cup quarter-final exit.
Young is seeking a replacement for Howley, who is to join Wales coach Warren Gatland's backroom team permanently at the end of the season.
“Scott did have contractual issues to sort out with Australia but that has now been cleared up,” Young added.
“We haven't put a formal offer to him but that is something we need to do within the next week or two.
“We must replace Rob and we'd love to have Scott but Scott being Scott will have a number of options and he must make a decision.”
Johnson worked under three Welsh coaches before three games as caretaker chief during his five-year rollercoaster stay in Wales.
He arrived as Graham Henry's skills supremo in 2001 and played a major role as Mike Ruddock's attack coach in Wales' first Grand Slam for 27 years in 2005.
Johnson then took over the national side when Mike Ruddock left halfway through the 2006 Six Nations tournament.
“Scott is a quality coach and we want to bring quality into our environment,” Young added.
“He would be a very positive addition and Scott knows that we're really interested in him.
“If Scott feels that we're the right option then great, if not we'll have to look at other options.”