Blues chief executive Robert Norster has welcomed this morning's announcement that Howard Stone is the new head coach of the Cardiff club side.
He said, "I played alongside Howard for several seasons, often together as locks, and I am well aware of his qualities. He is a true Blue & Black and a club stalwart. It has been a pleasure to see him develop as a coach, right through the youth and under-21 levels at the Arms Park, and he fully deserves the opportunity to be in charge of the club side in the Premier Division. I'm sure he will do well.
"At the same time I wish Mike Rayer all the best as he moves on to be director of rugby at Bedford. Again, I played with Mike with him as my vice-captain and it's also good to see him succeeding in the coaching sphere."
Blues director of rugby David Young added, "I have enjoyed working with Mike Rayer in his role with the club side. He always the appreciated the importance of individual player development within the regional structure and because of him and Howard Stone we are building soloid foundations for the future."
(see www.cardiffrfc.co.uk)