Kingsley Jones interested in Cardiff Blues vacancy

Kingsley Jones, Russia Head coach

Former Sale Sharks coach Kingsley Jones has admitted he is interested in the vacant position of director of rugby at the Cardiff Blues.

The Blues are looking for someone to head their current coaching set-up of Justin Burnell and Gareth Baber.

"Any coach with any ambition will be have one eye on that job," said Jones.

Phil Davies, the former Scarlets and Worcester forwards coach, has emerged as the favourite to fill the role.

Cecil Duckworth, the Worcester Warriors owner, revealed to BBC Sport Wales that Davies had asked for permission to speak to the Blues last week.

But former Wales flanker Jones, who was director of rugby at the Sharks and coached with Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership, believes the position with the Blues is an attractive one.

"It's a great region, great history to the club and there is massive potential," said Jones, speaking on BBC Sport Wales' Scrum V show.

Jones coached Russia in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand and he is expected to sign a contract extension with the Bears soon.

The Blues have enjoyed a miserable end to their season, despite reaching the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, and missed out on the Pro12 play-offs.

A dozen senior players, including the likes of Martyn Williams, Gethin Jenkins and Paul Tito are leaving the capital city side in the summer.

But Jones believes the number of players leaving at the end of this season could prove to be a watershed for the Blues after a difficult campaign.

"There is doom and gloom about it now but for me it's evolutiuon - people are leaving, players are leaving and it's time for a change," said Jones.

"It's an attractive post for any coach."