Pro12: Retired hooker Andi Kyriacou joins Cardiff coaches

Hooker Andi Kyriacou has joined Cardiff Blues's coaching team after being forced to retire by injury.

Kyriacou joined the Blues in 2012 from Ulster, but he suffered a prolapsed disc early last season.

Surgery in December failed to cure the 30-year-old's problem.

"It is really frustrating as I came to the Blues with the intention of working to establish myself as a regular first-team player and wanted to make a real impression," said Kyriacou.

"So it's disappointing my injury has stopped me from doing this."

He joins the Blues coaches in the wake of former New Zealand back-row Xavier Rush's decision to end his coaching career.

The former Sale, Leeds, Saracens and Munster player was called into the Ireland A squad in 2009 having won England Under-21 honours earlier in his career.

"I've been studying part-time at Manchester Metropolitan University for a degree in sport science as I wanted to develop a career in coaching, so it's come about sooner than I expected," he said.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I am looking forward to working with Phil (Davies, director of rugby) and the coaching team.

"I will be concentrating on the scrimmaging area, working closely with Phil with the line-outs and position specific skills with the hookers."

The Blues have recruited former Wales captain Matthew Rees from the Scarlets to fill a hooking berth ahead of the 2013-14 season.

Phil Davies also has former Wales Under-20 captain Rhys Williams, Kristian Dacey and Marc Breeze as hooker options.