Cardiff Blues are delighted to officially confirm the appointment of Graham Steadman as the new Defence Coach at the region.
Ex-Great Britain rugby league international Steadman makes the move to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park from next week, having worked the last three seasons in England with Premiership outfit Newcastle Falcons.
Steadman boasts an outstanding pedigree as a player and coach in both the international and domestic arena, with previous successful spells as Defence Coach for both Scotland and Ireland.
The 53-year-old is a former Great Britain, York Wasps, Featherstone Rovers and Castleford rugby league player.
The Yorkshireman commanded a world-record transfer fee of £170,000 back in 1989 when he left Featherstone for Castleford, and scored 167 tries in a glittering 16-year playing career.
Steadman later worked as Head Coach at Castleford and as Assistant Coach with Great Britain before his move into rugby union.
?The Knottingley-born coach worked with Munster before successful spells with Ireland and Scotland.
Head Coach Danny Wilson said: “We needed a Defence Coach with international experience and who has worked at the top end of the game in both the English Premiership and PRO12.
“Graham has an outstanding reputation right across the game and has also worked in other sports, with a spell as Assistant Coach of Great Britain rugby league.
“That experience will be huge for Cardiff Blues in an area where we really need to build a foundation and some pride. I’m delighted that Graham has come on board.”
Steadman said: “I’m looking forward to starting at Cardiff Blues. I’ve been to the training ground and observed some sessions and had a taste of it. I can’t wait to get on the pitch, work with these fellas and see what they are about.
“I’m a big believer that any team success is built around a strong defensive platform and if we can get that right I’m sure it can put us in a good position.
“I want to get the full potential out of the boys and the very best out of them. It’s going to be a little bit disruptive with it being a Rugby World Cup season, but there are no excuses here.
“It is going to be a collective effort from the entire squad and everyone must contribute.”