Cardiff Blues backs coach Jason Strange wants positive, attacking brand of rugby to continue at the Cardiff Arms Park this season.
The former Wales under-20 head coach is part of a new-look coaching teamk, joining Tom Smith, Richard Hodges and Duane Goodfield as John Mulvihill’s backroom staff.
Former outside half, Strange, who represented clubs such as Newport and Bristol during his playing career, has also been encouraged by the atmosphere within the squad, which was the cornerstone of the side’s European success last season.
“Before starting, I spoke to John on quite a few occasions on the phone and he’s been excellent so far in training,” said Strange.
“There were a few enquiries made just after the Six Nations. I spoke to John to get an understanding about the way we both wanted the game to be played.
“After those initial communications we then got to the stage where there was an opportunity to take on the role. At this stage of my career it is something I’m really excited about.
“What was pleasing was the fact we both view the game in the same way and we share the same rugby philosophy. We just took it from there.
“In the simplest terms, what I want, is to play a brand of rugby which is enjoyable to play and watch. That’s as simple as it gets.
“I want the players to be motivated by how we play and we want to play with ambition and intent. Also we need to get the supporters wanting to come and watch a brand of rugby which is enjoyable to watch.
“We’ve been working really hard with the players in pre-season. What stands out more than anything is how tight the squad are as a group.
“The effort and atmosphere has been superb so far in pre-season. As coaches what we are trying to do more than anything is enhance the good work that they’ve put in over the last couple of years.
“There’s lots we need to keep and there’s some things we need to tweak. We all understand that we need to get better every year and that will be our aim throughout the season.”
During his time with Wales under-20, Strange worked alongside Cardiff Blues stars such as Tomos Williams, Jarrod Evans, Seb Davies and Rhun Williams.
Strange is delighted to link up with familiar faces, and is also excited by the battle for the number 10 jersey at the Arms Park.
Strange said: “Yes it is very helpful and that’s stood out over the first few weeks of pre-season. I didn’t realise how many Cardiff Blues players had actually come through the Wales under-20 side over the past five years.
“It definitely helps when you understand what makes a player tick. Most of those players haven’t reached their potential yet and are only going to get better.
“We are fortunate at the moment that we have got a lot of quality players who are only going to get better. It’s up to us to keep challenging those players every day to reach their potential.
“I think Jarrod is different to every other outside half we have in Wales in terms of his vision for the game. We have great competition between Jarrod and Gareth Anscombe and it’s up to us as coaches to manage that competition.
“His overall feel of the game is excellent. Sometimes he is so far ahead of everyone else it’s as if he is playing the game in the future. He’s a very smart player.
“We are very fortunate to have players of a high calibre in one position. Steve Shingler is also a very skilful player and then we’ve got the two Ben’s coming through below those.
“They have all got their own strengths and importantly their strengths stand out far more than their weaknesses. It’s up to us to help those and to keep encouraging them to express themselves.
“As outside halves we want them to trust their instincts. Jarrod and Gareth are both instinctive players and see the game really well.
“They are both smart players and we need to base our game around them.
“When you get a run of games you start to get the confidence in yourself and the team. He’s someone with huge potential."
You can join Jason Strange at Cardiff Arms Park next season with a 2018-19 Season Membership. With prices starting at just £205 for adults and £35 for under-16s, the Season Membership packages offer unbeatable value as Cardiff Blues return to the European Champions Cup. Buy yours today by clicking here or calling 029 20 302030