The new director of rugby at Cardiff Arms Park has been appointed on an interim basis until the end of the season.
But after just a week back in his former seat of power, Young has revealed he plans on being around for another long haul if things go according to plan.
“Both myself and the club have ventured into this agreement with an understanding that if they like the look of me, and I like the look of them, then there’s something that we would certainly be looking to progress,” said the former Wales captain.
“In an ideal world, yes, but you know, only time will tell and I think both parties are not going to rush into it too much.”
Young will take charge of his first match in control when the Blues meet the Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday night in a re-arranged Guinness PRO14 fixture.
It will be the first time he has overseen preparations for a match – or had any real input into rugby because of the pandemic – since he left his job at Wasps 11 months ago.
Young followed eight years in his first Cardiff stint by eight more at Wasps and his time at the club saw them relocate from High Wycombe to Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.
“Sixteen years as a director of rugby does take its toll. I needed a break because I did feel a little bit burnt out if I’m honest,” says the man who has replaced John Mulvihill.
“I needed a little bit of time to recharge the batteries. It was hugely worthwhile for me. I’ve never, been out of work before so you do value how lucky you are when you’re working in a sport you love.
“I’m still a Wasps fan and there are no grudges from me.”
Dai Young who has been appointed director of rugby at Cardiff Blues until the end of the season.
Sixteen years as a director of rugby does take its toll. I needed a break because I did feel a little bit burnt out if I’m honest
The former British & Irish Lion led Wasps to the Premiership play-offs for three straight years between 2016 and 2018. They lost the final to Exeter Chiefs in 2017.
Young was succeeded as Wasps boss by his former assistant Lee Blackett who took the team to last year’s Premiership final where they were again beaten by Exeter.
“To be honest it wasn’t that bruising,” said Young of his Wasps departure. “When managers, coaches or directors of rugby leave, we all want it to be a bit juicier than it tends to be.
“We really felt after nine years it needed freshening up. When Saracens were pretty much relegated it became very evident it was the right time to do it.
“It was the right time for me and I felt it was the right time for the club. My plan was to have a couple of months off, have a rest, and try and get back into rugby. I have missed it.
“I’ve got nothing but fond memories of Wasps. My overriding disappointment is I haven’t been able to go back. When they got to the final of course I would have loved to have been a part of that. But I felt vindicated because I signed all that squad and it was great to see them do what they can do.”
Now back at Cardiff, the 53-year-old knows he has a big task on his hands.
“I don’t think there’s much money to spend in rugby as a whole at present, not just in the case of Cardiff Blues. It’s tough times,” Young said.
So, he will rely on what he sees in front of him – a squad that is youthful and has potential, but is also lacking in some key areas.
“I see a lot of talent. I think the challenge is up front and I think everybody recognises where the challenges are,” Young added.
“If you look at the front five, there are a lot of young players there. But there’s a lot of scope for them to improve and develop.
“I think everyone recognises where the strength is at the minute and that is obviously behind the scrum – we’ve got a lot of game changers there. I suppose the challenge is really giving them the ball so they can do their stuff.”
