Dafydd Jones backs Phil Davies for Cardiff Blues role

Phil Davies left the Scarlets in 2008.

Former Scarlets back-row Dafydd Jones says Phil Davies would create a "team ethos" if he was appointed director of rugby at the Blues.

Davies, who is currently Worcester Warriors forwards coach, has been linked with the Welsh region.

And Ex-Wales star Jones, who played under Davies at the Scarlets, believes he can fill the vacant Blues role.

"What he does get is a team ethos going and that's something at the moment the Blues need desperately," said Jones.

"Obviously I know Phil quite well.

"When he came down to Stradey Park we initially had great success.

"He got us through to the semi-final of the Heineken Cup and he's a quality coach."

Davies, who helped the Warriors gain promotion back to English rugby's top flight for the 2011-12 season, has two years left on his Worcester contract.

It is thought he has asked for permission to speak to the Blues, who have endured a disappointing season.

The region is also losing several key players and could move back to the Arms Park but despite the challenges, Jones believes his former boss would be a success at the Blues.

"He'll have been watching the Cardiff Blues most of this year and to be totally honest they haven't achieved at times," added Jones, who retired last year through injury after playing 201 games for the Scarlets.

"It's all about systems with him.

"They've lacked direction and that is one thing that Phil Davies will bring to them, no doubt, is that direction."

Cardiff, who beat Edinburgh in their last match, have announced they intend to appoint a director of rugby to work with current coaches Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell, who have been in charge at the Welsh region since November.

And Jones believes his former manager Davies would help bring structure to the faltering region.

"His strong values are a defensive system and attacking system," said Jones.

"Obviously he had great success with those systems initially at the Scarlets, when I spent time with him down there.

"He works hard at what he does as well and that's without a doubt the biggest positive about his coaching.

"There's a lot of work ethic there and he drives that through to the players."