Cardiff Blues have appointed Danny Wilson as their new head coach

Cardiff Blues have appointed Danny Wilson as their new head coach on a three-year contract.

The former Wales U20 coach will link up with the Blues for the start of the PRO12 pre-season, after the Welsh region agreed a release from the final two years of his deal as forwards chief at Bristol Rugby.

The Englishman has enjoyed previous successful coaching spells at the Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons in Wales and replaces Mark Hammett, who left just six months into a three-year deal in February, for "personal reasons".

Wilson led Wales U20s to third in the 2012 IRB Junior World Championships and to runners-up in 2013 before moving to Bristol in 2014 where he helped guide the club to top spot in the Greene King IPA Rugby Championship, eventually losing out in the play-off final to Worcester.

"I am both proud and excited to be named head coach at Cardiff Blues," he said.

"I'd like to firstly thank Andy Robinson and Bristol Rugby for their understanding and support with allowing me to take up this opportunity. I wish them every success in the forthcoming season and the future.

'History and tradition'

"I'm now looking forward to getting started at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, a place steeped in history and tradition, and building an environment, culture and squad that will take us forward in the long term.

Cardiff Blues has always enjoyed fantastic support and I would encourage them to now get right behind us and be part of the journey over the coming years.

"Cardiff Blues has always enjoyed fantastic support from its dedicated fans and I would encourage them to now get right behind us and be part of the journey over the coming years."

Chief executive Richard Holland said: "We are thrilled that Danny has agreed to join us as head coach and lead Cardiff Blues over the next three years.

"Danny has an outstanding track record in coaching, a fantastic reputation across the game and has all the qualities and ambition needed to drive our region forward in the long-term."

Bristol's director of rugby Robinson said: "We thank Danny for his efforts and commitment to Bristol Rugby over the past season.

"Danny has worked hard with our pack of forwards and the improvements we have made in that area is clear. We wish him the best of luck in his future career."