Danny Wilson Aiming To Bow Out At Cardiff Blues On A High

Danny Wilson admits lifting a trophy in his final game as Cardiff Blues head coach would be the cherry on the cake.

The Blues face Gloucester in the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final at Bilbao on Friday night.(8pm)

But Wilson insists he has fulfilled the brief he was given when he took over three years ago as he prepares to join Dai Young at Wasps.

Wilson said: “A trophy in my last game would the cherry on the cake, really. 

“It’s not the be-all and end-all, if I am honest. In terms of walking out of the Cardiff Blues, then I and the coaching group know we have left the place in a far better state than when we came in.

“We were set some goals, and even though some of the circumstances changed along the way, we still achieved those goals.

“To get the club back into the Champions Cup was something I wanted to and we have achieved that. Now, the added bonus is that we have made a European final.

“For the supporters, and for this group of players, then to get a win would be the most important thing. If we can do that, that would be outstanding. But, already we have achieved a tremendous amount.”

Wilson announced he was leaving last September but has since guided the Blues back into to next season’s Challenge Cup through the Pro 14.

And though he is relishing working with former Blues coach Young at the Wasps, he is determined to leave on a winning note.

Ellis Jenkins will skipper Cardiff Blues in Challenge Cup final. Pic: Getty Images.

He added: “I will miss this group of players and the rest of the staff. I will also miss the supporters. 

“There is no better place than the Arms Park when it is packed on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon.

“But I’ve no regrets. For a number of reasons, I know I have made the right decision.

“It would be good to out with a win and to bring a trophy back to Cardiff. 

“Hopefully, we can do it, but we know there is a huge obstacle in our way and we’ll have to be at our best.

Wilson insists his side will be ready for a fierce battle with the English outfit.

He added: “It’s a been a really good week of preparation and there’s a great atmosphere within the squad.

Dai Young says James Haskell showed restraint.
Wasps coach Dai Young will be joined by Wilson next season Pic: Getty Images.

“We have achieved a lot of the goals which we set ourselves and now it’s a one-off game where we can go in with the pressure off.

“We can enjoy the occasion and have a really good crack at it. I think it is going to be a quality game of rugby and a great spectacle.

“You have two sides who play a huge amount of rugby. I’ve been really impressed with Gloucester this season and the way they have played. They have a real identity, which they stick to.

“I think it will make for an exciting game of rugby and hopefully we can come out on top.

“We are not under-estimating what a huge challenge this is and what a quality outfit they are. But if we are at our best, we can contest with them.

“We are aware that they will be very motivated by this final and will bring their best form.

“There will be no change from the way we have prepared all season.

“We have picked up some really good wins and for this match we’ve devised a game-plan which we can execute well.”

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