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Cardiff Blues have confirmed the appointment of Danny Wilson as head coach on a three-year contract.

The highly-rated former Scarlets, Dragons and Wales U20s coach will link up with the Arms Park outfit for the start of pre-season, after the region agreed a release from his current contract at Bristol.

Wilson has been their number one target since Mark Hammett’s departure in February and now they have got their man, following “amicable discussions” with Bristol’s director of rugby Andy Robinson.

He had two years to run on his contract at the west country club, where he was forwards coach, but they have agreed to let him go to take the top job at the Blues.

His appointment sees the director of rugby role being replaced by that of head coach at the Arms Park, with Wales boss Warren Gatland having been involved in the selection process.

Wilson will have complete authority on the rugby side of the business and freedom to surround himself with the coaching team of his choice.

No announcement has yet been made on whether the current caretaker coaches Dale McIntosh and Paul John will remain on board, with the backroom staff to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

“I am both proud and excited to be named head coach at Cardiff Blues,” said former hooker Wilson.

“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.

“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 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.

“He understands the culture of Welsh rugby and has significant experience, in both the international and regional game. We’re excited to see the legacy Danny builds here at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

“Danny will have complete authority on the rugby side of the business and will be given the time to rebuild and get Cardiff Blues back to where we feel is our rightful place in European rugby.

“He will now surround himself with his coaching team to take us forward over the next three years and he will therefore confirm our backroom staff in the coming weeks.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bristol Rugby and CEO Steve Gorvett for their collaboration and understanding throughout this process.

“Our thanks also go to Wales head coach Warren Gatland for his involvement and all the candidates we interviewed.”

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Bristol director of rugby Andy 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.”

Wilson, who hails from Weston-Super-Mare, had coaching spells with the Cardiff club side and London Welsh before linking up with the Dragons as their forwards coach and then moving on to the Scarlets, where he transformed their set-piece game, ahead of linking up with Bristol a year ago.

Wilson also had a highly successful stint as head coach of Wales U20s, guiding them to second and third-places finishes in the Junior World Championships, proving he can do the business as the main man.