Cardiff Blues can confirm that former Blues second row stalwart, Deiniol Jones, has been appointed Match-day Team Manager
Jones has a wealth of experience having joined the Cardiff Blues in 2004 from the Celtic Warriors. He was one of the most consistent players for the Blues being the first player to reach 100 games for the region and went on to make 175 appearances, before being forced to retire at the end of last season with a shoulder injury.
Speaking of the appointment, Jones said,
“To be honest the job hadn’t even crossed my mind so it was a nice surprise when Phil phoned me and asked me about the role.”
“It will be a bit strange having played for the Blues for so long not being out on the field, so it’s nice to be able to stay involved in a role that suites me at the moment.”
“It feels like a fresh start and the environment that has been created here over the summer is positive and really exciting.”
“The players have been working really hard and I’m glad I can play a small part in what hopefully will be a successful season.”
“The role is to try to make sure that everything runs smoothly for the team and I’ll be working closely with Gafyn Cooper who is the Rugby Operations Manager at the Blues.”
“I’ll aim to make sure all the players are happy and they can focus on the game.”
“The home games are quite straightforward but things are a bit trickier when you go away with regards to the logistics but it’s something I’m looking forward to it.”
Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Phil Davies added,
“The important thing for me was to look at some of the players that were leaving the Blues.”
“I felt it was important to keep hold of some people whom I consider to be real Blues men.”
“We looked at Xavier Rush coming into the coaching staff and to bring Deiniol Jones also.”
“He is going to be our Match-day Team Manager and will also be involved with mentoring the younger front five forwards at the region.”
“His experience and knowledge of the team and the league will be invaluable for me and that was one of the key reasons we have kept him involved with the team.”
“He made a fantastic on the field contribution now this is the next part of his Blues career.”
“I’m very pleased with the structure in place now at the Blues.”
“The system and the structure will work nicely and to have Deiniol on the touch line on match days as well is great - it’s all fitting in nicely.”
The full list of the backroom staff at Cardiff Blues is as follows:
Rugby Department
Phil Davies - Director of Rugby
Gafyn Cooper - Rugby Operations Manager
Deiniol Jones - Match Day Team Manager
Gareth Baber - Attack / Backs Coach
Xavier Rush - Regional Defence Coach
Lee Jarvis - Regional Specialist Skills Coach
Physical Preparation
Trystan Bevan - Head of Physical Performance
Chris Tombs - Senior Physical Preparation Coach
Gareth Webber - Assistant Physical Preparation Coach
Aled Walters - Physical Preparation Coach
Tim Cronin -Physical Preparation Support Staff
Derrik Bonsu- Performance & Recovery Intern
Medical Services
John Miles - Head of Medical Services
Dr. Gareth Jones - Cardiff Blues Sports Physician
Andy Shea - Senior Physiotherapist
Gareth Davies - Soft Tissue & Recovery Specialist
Performance Analysis
Rhodri Manning - Head of Performance Analysis
Andrew Watts - Senior Performance Analyst
Craig Maloney - WRU Regional Performance Analyst
Training Ground and Kit Manager
Mike Bieri - Training Ground Manager