Rush defence for Cardiff Blues

Cardiff Blues stalwart Xavier Rush is set to take up a role as defence coach with the region following his retirement from playing rugby.

Rush suffered an injury to his neck in the Heineken Cup quarterfinal match against Leinster in April and has been advised by medical experts to retire from playing.

The former All Black joined Cardiff Blues from the Auckland Blues in 2005 where he had enjoyed a very successful period as captain, winning the NPC title, Ranfurly Shield and clinching the Super Rugby title.

The Kiwi powerhouse was an instant hit with the fans with both his aggressive attacking play and leadership qualities being appreciated by all. Rush was named as The Supporters' Club Player of the Season in his first year in Cardiff and was made

captain of the Cardiff Blues in the summer of 2006.

Speaking at Cardiff Arms Park Rush said: "I'm really looking forward to the new role and working under Phil Davies.

"He's an experienced coach in his own right and just in terms of the chats we've been having I'm sure I'm going to learn a lot.

"Obviously coaching is a different skill-set and one that I will have to learn and learn quickly but I look forward to developing some youngsters and being part of a game that I dearly love," he added.

Speaking of his injury Rush commented: "I've got a problem with a disc in my neck which has caused me loss of power and strength in my right arm.

"I sustained the injury out in Dublin in the Heineken Cup quarterfinal match and the medical team advised me to retire," he explained.

Rush said that after such a long career it will be a little strange to stop training.

"This would have been my 17th season and I would have been a professional rugby player for as long as I haven't been a professional rugby player, so it's going to take a bit of getting used to," he said.