By Andrew Collins
May 18 2005

The successor to Mike Rayer at the Cardiff RFC head coach position has been filled. Rayer left to join Bedford on Monday, and Arms Park Cheifs have moved quickly to replace him.

Former Cardiff lock, Howard Stone will be the head coach for the Rags as of today. Stone, who was vice captain to Bob Norster, has spoken out at his joy of completing the coaching step-up.

"I am a very proud man to be given this important coaching role. It is also reassuring to see that there is a clear path through the coaching network at Cardiff RFC and that we are stressing the importance of continuity."

Howard Stone has been Mike Rayers assistant for the past two years so his apointment comes as no suprise for the players or fans. His coachong career, albeit relatively short, has worked with youths in the community, then moving to U-21's, and was then invited to assist Rayer when the Blues were developed 2-years ago. As for next season, Stone has said he wants to improve on this years finish and continue breeding good Welsh talent for the Blues.

"This season we finished eighth, I would say a strong eighth, in the Premier Division with good results in the closing months and significant player development throughout the season. Now we must build on that in 2005-06"

Members of the Rugby Comitee of Cardiff Athletic Club have said they are now looking for a backs coach to fill the void Howard has left.

"The Rugby Committee will be advertising this week for a backs coach to work alongside Howard. In the meantime, we offer our sincere thanks for all the work put in by Mike Rayer."

The RFC team will be leaving to tour Canada in a few weeks, and the Comitee are looking forward to a success in canada and more importantly in the long term under Howard stone.

"We know that the future is in safe hands with him in charge. He provides stability but his new responsibilities are a reward for all the hard work he has put in over the years."