Western Province director of rugby Gert Smal has denied rumours linking to him to the Cardiff Blues head coaching job.

Rumours emerged that Smal, who coached Ireland’s forwards between 2008 and 2013, was interviewed by the Blues CEO Richard Holland earlier this month, according to WalesOnline.

However, Smal told Sport24 that he has not been in contact with the Blues.

‘It’s completely not true,’ he said. ‘I don’t even know what the guy looks like.’

The Blues have been on the lookout for a new coach since incumbent Danny Holland opted not to renew his contract, but rather to take up a role with Wasps at the end of the season.

Smal joined Western Province as director of rugby in 2014.

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