Cardiff Blues: Head coach Danny Wilson too late to make signings

Danny Wilson worked with the semi-pro Cardiff RFC club side earlier in his career

New Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson says he has joined too late to sign players for next season.

Wilson was appointed in June following Mark Hammett's departure as director of rugby in February.

The 38-year-old has been told he can appoint his own coaches, but doubts he will be able to sign any players.

"This time of the year, most people are in contract so, at this moment now, the squad is as it is," said Wilson, who has worked with Scarlets and Dragons.

Wilson joined Blues on a three-year deal after agreeing an early release from his contract as Bristol's forwards coach.

He has also previously worked with Wales Under-20s.

Blues lost to Dragons in the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals and finished 10th in the Pro12 last season.

Wilson has said he wants to bring "long-term" success to the region, but admits his short-term hopes of signing players could be dashed.

"I've come on board very late," added Wilson.

"Cardiff Blues have gone through a process and rightly so to make sure they've put together a squad and environment that is up to standard.

"The squad is pretty much as the squad is."

Blues have signed United States forward Cameron Dolan from Northampton, but that acquisition was agreed before Wilson's arrival.

"I'm quite excited by that signing," said Wilson.

"I've had a look, done a little bit of research and it will be very interesting for me to find out what he's capable of."