Blues close in on new head coach

The Blues, who finished 10th in the GUINNESS PRO12 table, have been marshalled by coaches Paul John and Dale McIntosh since their former director of rugby Mark Hammett departed BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park in February.

Holland said five of the 35 applicants, which included John, McIntosh and the much-admired Danny Wilson of Bristol, have been interviewed and he hopes the Welsh region will soon be in a position to announce Hammett's permanent successor.

"We've gone through an interview process and we had five candidates short-listed," Holland said as he set off on the #StayStrongForOws Cardiff to Paris bike ride.

"We'll be choosing our head coach from one of those five and we're hopeful we'll be able to announce in the next week or so.

"We want to get on with it but it's an absolutely critical role to get right.

"I'm looking forward to getting our man on board and giving him the full autonomy which is absolutely key in helping to take this region forward."