That success, on the back of an automatic qualification from the Guinness PRO14, earned the Blues a return to the top table of European club rugby next season and Mulvihill’s unveiling coincided with the draw for the Heineken Champions Cup.
The Blues are in Pool 3 along with English champions, and two-time European winners, Saracens, PRO14 rivals Glasgow Warriors and Lyon, who they beat twice in the Challenge Cup pool stages last season.
“We haven’t been in the Champions Cup for five years and I think it’s fantastic we are back in there on the back of some good performances last season,” said Mulvihill.
“We’re back to where we need to be and it’s my role, and the role of the team, to make sure we stay there. We need to play well in the PRO14 to make sure we are there each year.
“It’s exciting to be back playing that level of rugby. I didn’t mind what pool we were in, it is just great to be there.
“We’re happy with the Pool we are in, although they are all going to be tough games. You want to play against the best teams and we are going to get that opportunity playing Saracens home and away.
“The other two teams have done very well in their respective competitions, so it’s going to be tough. It’s going to be a huge challenge, but we need to look at it as a massive opportunity for us to get it right.”
Mulvihill succeeds Danny Wilson as head coach and arrives in Wales having spent the past nine seasons coaching in Japan. His coaching cv also includes stints in Ireland and Australia.
This will be his 21st season as a coach and he says he is excited at the prospect of putting his credentials to the
test in the northern hemisphere.
“The next step for me was always to come back to Europe. I’ve inherited quite a strong and settled squad,” added Mulvihill.
“Our players from 1 to 5 need some back-up and reinforcements, but from 6 to 15 we’ve got some world-class international players. I’m sure we’ll have success with the squad we have, but with a few more players to come and help us.”
