Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell have shared the coaching responsibilities following Dai Young's decision to join Wasps last summer.

And while Baber and Burnell will remain as part of the back-room set-up at the region, the Blues board have now decided to bring in a director of rugby.

Blues chief executive Richard Holland told the club's official site: "Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell must be commended for getting the team to the quarter-final of the Heineken Cup. Being in the top-eight teams in Europe is no mean feat.

"However, there is no doubting that it has been a difficult first season for them in charge of the senior side - the financial constraints being announced and players departing have contributed to this.

World-class

"Both coaches came through the Blues system and have done a superb job developing some world-class players such as Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny and Bradley Davies during their time coaching our academy.

"They have continued to develop players this season in the senior side bringing on the likes of Harry Robinson, Dan Fish and Luke Hamilton.

"Following a meeting of the Cardiff Blues board it has been decided that we will start the search for a full-time director of rugby to manage all rugby matters at the region from next season.

"Gareth and Justin will continue in their roles but the appointment of a director of rugby will strengthen our rugby department going forward."