Hammett will demand intensity from Cardiff

The former All Blacks international is currently in charge of the Hurricanes and will join up with the RaboDirectPRO12 side on a three-year deal when their Super Rugby season ends.

The ex-hooker won 29 caps with New Zealand and is ready to stamp his authority at Cardiff Arms Park.

However, the 41-year-old believes that his new job will be a big one and knows it will take time to implement his vision.

"I'm a guy that likes to take his time to get to know the players," Hammett said.

"I'm pretty demanding in terms of I expect really professional standards and I expect us to train with an intensity that we wish to play at.

"The players will get to know that pretty quickly and I'm pretty inclusive in terms of how I like to do things and hopefully that will keep the crew honest.

"It's a squad I've inherited so naturally I understand the strengths of the international players through watching them.

"There's a big part of the squad that I won't know a lot of but that's a positive as well.

"That's going to take time and I'm going to have to be in the role for six months before I can answer what's outstanding about the club and what are the things we need to change to move on."