Cardiff Blues squad and off-field updates.

First topic message reminder :

It appears that the following players will be leaving the Blues at the end of the season


DEPARTURE

Gavin Henson - Sacked

TRThomas - Despite being given the captaincy a few times this season, Thomas is due to leave - He is one of the players who has been excellent for us, is available all year round and we should be building a team around him. But he is off to Wasps.

Gethin Jenkins - 1 of our 4 world class players is off to Toulon

Casey Laulaula - The second centre to go, he is off to Munster, despite being available all year round.

Dan Parks is off to Connacht

Ritchie Rees is going to Edinburgh

Deniol Jones is retired

Martyn Williams is retiring

Mamma Molitika is retiring

John Yapp is leaving to go to Edinburgh

Ben Blair has apparently been offered a contract in France, at Lyon and is leaving

Jamie Roberts will miss a large part of next season through injury

Paul Tito is retiring

Ryan Tyrell is returning to Australia

Xavier Rush has retired as a player due to injury

Justin Burnell has left with immediate effect

Richard Mustoe rumoured retirement



ARRIVING AND STAYING

Xavier Rush has become the next defence coach

Jason Tovey is the only new signing of any significance announced so far, from the Dragons

Robin Copeland is confirmed from Rotherham RFC - some good reports, a replacement for Molitika

Lou Reed is signing though from the Scarlets

And Gavin Evans has signed a new 2 year contract extension...woop

Benoit Bourrust a THP from Perpignan is arriving

Fijian LHP prop Campese Ma'afu has signed from Australian side West Harbour Pirates

Hooker Andi Kyriacou is being targeted from Ulster - confirmed

Ceri Sweeney is staying with the Blues with a contract extension

Fau Filise has signed a contract extension (Probably 1 year)

A new Director of Rugby Phil Davies has joined.

Alex Cuthbert has signed a 1 year extension

Rob Lewis confirmed coming at SH from London Welsh

Deniol Jones is now team manager

Lee Jarvis has been appointed skills coach


Squad for next season


Props
Sam Hobbs
Ma'afu Campese
Benoit Bourrust
Scott Andrews
Fau Filise
Ryan Hartford
Nathan Trevett
Thomas Davies

Hookers
Andy Kyricau
Kristian Dacey
Mark Breeze
Rhys Williams

Locks
Bradley Davies
Lou Reed
James Down
Cory Hill
McCauley Cook
Matthew Screech

Backrow
Michael Paterson
Robin Copeland
Sam Warburton
Josh Navidi
Andreus Pretorious
Ellis Jenkins
Thomas Young
Luke Hamilton


Scrum Halfs
Lloyd Williams
Rob Lewis
Lewis Jones

Fly Halfs
Jason Tovey
Ceri Sweeney
Rhys Patchell

Centres
Jamie Roberts
Daffydd Hewitt
Gavin Evans
Cory Allen
Owen Williams

Back 3
Alex Cuthbert
Tom James
Leigh Halfpenny
Dan Fish
Chris Czekaj
Harry Robinson

Morgannwg wrote:

Coleman wrote:It makes him a better option then Andrews though, if one of them had to go. Why not keep the better of the two. Seems to make sense to me. I think Yapp is a good player any way. Did a hell of a job when he came on against Toulon in the Amlin final.

jeez, are you for real?

YAPP IS NOT A TIGHT HEAD

Yapp was tried there by Young, it did not work, he has not played their all season.

Yapp is worse at scrummaging at THP as Andrews is, and is nowhere near as good in the loose.

Hobbs is Yapps replacement, not Andrews.

Looks like the Benoit Bourrust rumour was accurate

http://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/ligue-celtique-1/2010-2011/bourrust-file-a-cardiff_sto3231031/story.shtml

2 year deal apparently.

Wikipedia says that he was at Sale in 2007. Wonder if anyone can shed any light on him, he scored a try. Big lad at 126kg.

Looks like Embra are looking at Yapp as a back up LH, and think that would be a VERY good signing if it comes off. We really need cover there, he's still young in prop years and will have Tom Smith to kick him on.

justified sinner wrote:Looks like Embra are looking at Yapp as a back up LH, and think that would be a VERY good signing if it comes off. We really need cover there, he's still young in prop years and will have Tom Smith to kick him on.

Pretty sure it has been confirmed

Just confirmed on the Twittersphere, John Yapp and Richie Rees going to Edinburgh.

The rumour is that Cardiff Blues' sales and marketing director is leaving by the look of it.
So to recap, in basically what is less than 12 months the following management staff would have left;
Director of rugby
Chief Executive
Financial Director
Sales and Marketing Director.

Who's next I wonder.

Cardiff Dave wrote:The rumour is that Cardiff Blues' sales and marketing director is leaving by the look of it.
So to recap, in basically what is less than 12 months the following management staff would have left;
Director of rugby
Chief Executive
Financial Director
Sales and Marketing Director.

Who's next I wonder.

But to be fair, its the new chief executive that is actually trying to fix things. Its all reaching a tipping point.

wales606 wrote:

But to be fair, its the new chief executive that is actually trying to fix things. Its all reaching a tipping point.

We all know Thomas rules the roost, so any fixing to be done will have to go through him.
Saying that i'm sure that Holland must be up to speed by now (he didn't start off too well remember) and at last realises what he's up against. What he can do about it though is another matter altogether.

It could be a whole lot worse. If the Dragons hadn't been so poor, you'd be looking at a season in the Amlin.
I've never seen Cardiff or the Blues in such a state

manofgwent wrote:It could be a whole lot worse. If the Dragons hadn't been so poor, you'd be looking at a season in the Amlin.
I've never seen Cardiff or the Blues in such a state

THe first two (or three) seasons of regionalism the Blues finished bottom of the pile when it came to the Welsh regions, and only made it into the HEC via the loss of the Warriors and the Italian-playoff. So the Blues have been in worse wholes than this before.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

manofgwent wrote:It could be a whole lot worse. If the Dragons hadn't been so poor, you'd be looking at a season in the Amlin.
I've never seen Cardiff or the Blues in such a state

THe first two (or three) seasons of regionalism the Blues finished bottom of the pile when it came to the Welsh regions, and only made it into the HEC via the loss of the Warriors and the Italian-playoff. So the Blues have been in worse wholes than this before.

The dark days as Peter Thomas referred to them and said they would never return. The big difference now is that they have CCS to deal with.
His latest gaff of many gaffs is "we will have a great side next year".
The bloke is a loony.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

manofgwent wrote:It could be a whole lot worse. If the Dragons hadn't been so poor, you'd be looking at a season in the Amlin.
I've never seen Cardiff or the Blues in such a state

THe first two (or three) seasons of regionalism the Blues finished bottom of the pile when it came to the Welsh regions, and only made it into the HEC via the loss of the Warriors and the Italian-playoff. So the Blues have been in worse wholes than this before.

The dark days as Peter Thomas referred to them and said they would never return. The big difference now is that they have CCS to deal with.
His latest gaff of many gaffs is "we will have a great side next year".
The bloke is a loony.

When did he say "we will have a great side next year"? I'd like to see that article as I imagine it'll be quite 'illuminating'

Well at least Gavin Evans has signed a new deal!!!!
Sorry. I shouldn't laugh.

I remember the dragons sticking 40 points on the Blues at RP when the Blues should have gone into the Parker pen cup. They did still have Shanklin, the Robinsons, Martyn Williams etc. The Blues werent weak, the other regions just had stronger teams. But now the Blues are poor, but the Dragons are even worse. Next season will be a real toss up for the HC qualification. I don't see any region being in the top 4 and we haven't a prayer in Europe.
Anyone want Dai Young back??? Just think. You could have brought in a 35 year old on a 2 year deal!!! Wasps may as well bring in Basil Fawkty and Frank Spencer than Young and Turner. They've been a disaster!!!

Smirnoff. I think it was lost in translation. I think he said. We'll have great pies next year!!!

manofgwent wrote:Well at least Gavin Evans has signed a new deal!!!!
Sorry. I shouldn't laugh.

You shouldn't laugh. Gavin Evans was at one point on of the most promising centres in Wales, he was part of the Scarlets side that really impressed in Europe with their attacking rugby (when we made it to the SF). I have no doubt that if he can get regular game time that he come good again.

Smirnoffpriest wrote:

When did he say "we will have a great side next year"? I'd like to see that article as I imagine it'll be quite 'illuminating'

Best laughing trousers on.........

"But Thomas insists reinforcements are on the way.

“We will be bringing in some quality players and we have got some fantastic youth coming through,” he said.

“We will have a great side next year.”"

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/04/06/cardiff-blues-chief-peter-thomas-hits-out-at-critics-over-gavin-henson-sacking-91466-30703646/#ixzz1rupr8GJl

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

manofgwent wrote:Well at least Gavin Evans has signed a new deal!!!!
Sorry. I shouldn't laugh.

You shouldn't laugh. Gavin Evans was at one point on of the most promising centres in Wales, he was part of the Scarlets side that really impressed in Europe with their attacking rugby (when we made it to the SF). I have no doubt that if he can get regular game time that he come good again.

No doubt with the top notch coaching set up he'll rediscover his earlier promise straight away!

And MOG I expected Stephen J to stay at the Scarlets for another 2 seasons and am really gutted he's left - he'll leave a big hole that we now only have Newton and Aled Thomas to fill. Good signing for Wasps IMO

I thought Stephen Jones would be a bit part player next year and end up on the coaching team at the Scarlets. No doubt the offer from Wasps was too tempting. I think it's a great move for him, but if I was a Wasps fan, id be a little concerned. They're supposed to be skint and they bring In a 35 year old on a 2 year deal. It could be a master stroke. Time will tell, but I was really shocked.

I'm only messing, taking the Mick out of Evans!! It's like a lot of players who go to Cardiff. Somehow they manage to turn talented players into Dross!!! Tovey will probably come back to the Dragons with all the ability of Craig Warlow!!!

Dave

I read that too, It makes you wonder if he's all there... The Franks brothers, Juan Smith, Cooper and SBW couldn't make this a great Blues side next year...

How are Tovey and Lou Reed expected to??????????

thebluesmancometh wrote:How are Tovey and Lou Reed expected to??????????

Because by signing them the Dragons have lost their direction in a key role, and the Scarlets have lost some grunt in the pack. Which means the Blues will look better.

I doubt very much the Blues targetted these boys to detract from others!

I'm sure most people in Wales want 4 regions at HC semi kind of level.

But thats some theory and chip you have there SS!

If you ask me. The Blues have signed the wrong 10. They should have taken Steffan Jones. Covey's not kicked on in the last 2 seasons and is leaving the Dragons, far from the finished player. He chose the Blues, so that he could play HC and play with better players. Well, he will play in the HC!

manofgwent wrote:If you ask me. The Blues have signed the wrong 10. They should have taken Steffan Jones. Covey's not kicked on in the last 2 seasons and is leaving the Dragons, far from the finished player. He chose the Blues, so that he could play HC and play with better players. Well, he will play in the HC!

This Steffan Jones?

http://cardiffrfc.com/Personnel.aspx?pr=212601

Steffan Jones is a cracking player, but he was rejected twice before desperation set in and he was given a shot. I think he's going to make a very good club 10, but I don't think he's going to get much better!

Tovey is a great shout for the Blues, but your right he and Reed are entering a mess, that will not be fixed by playing personnell!!!

Steff's already a very good club 10 and he's only 21. He consistently is Cross Keys stand out player. He looks comfortable at 10 for the Dragons and did something that Tovey hadn't done in an age. When he guided the Dragons to an away win in Edinburgh.
Two seasons ago I was so excited about Tovey, but he's stood still. He's shows class in glimpses and doesn't have the overall game to be a Wales 10. Priestland puts his defence to shame. It's non existent. In our home defeat to ulster this season, his performance was an embarrassment.

Those are harsh words, Tovey IMO is the better option at 10, well until Steffans little brother comes of age anyway, he'll take that shirt of his brther IMO.

Time will tell, but Jas has to step up at the Blues.

Sadly no he doesn't.

There is absolutely no competition, he could rock up, step into SKN and Parks boots and start week in week out!

thebluesmancometh wrote:I doubt very much the Blues targetted these boys to detract from others!

I'm sure most people in Wales want 4 regions at HC semi kind of level.

But thats some theory and chip you have there SS!

Meant a bit tounge in cheek mate.

It's hard to tell on here mate, mostly when I post myself let alone figuring out how serious others are

Bluesman. I didn't mean the Blues. He'll no doubt start most games. I meant, step up in terms of pushing for a welsh cap. I bet he'll be in the squad this autumn though. Rob Howley will be like a tripod when he sees a decent 10 at the Blues and will be begging Gatland to put him in the squad!!

Bluesman - yeah I know, reading a post doesn't really let you know whether a post is a serious one moanding/bitching, a joke, or an outright WUM.

As for Tovey I think he is a decent fly half, maybe he isn't up to international standards, maybe he is. For the Blues it would probably work out best if he was just a little bit under international standards, as it means they would have a flyhalf who would be capable of playing HEC standard rugby, but not losing him to the internationals over the Autumn or 6Ns.

Also Lou Reed, and i prey he doesn't sign, is a grafter. Probably a pretty much straight swap for Deniol Jones (but younger) in style.

I thought Reed was a given, I thought he was in Cardiff this week signing?
Maybe I've jumped the gun!

Good move for Tovey and the Blues I think, as long as he doesn't command a high wage that is, but from what I hear around Dave Steffan is the boy and Tovey was about to be moved to start covering FB etc. I even heard a rumour they were asking him what he felt about 12, but how true that is I don't know.

thebluesmancometh wrote:I thought Reed was a given, I thought he was in Cardiff this week signing?
Maybe I've jumped the gun!

Good move for Tovey and the Blues I think, as long as he doesn't command a high wage that is, but from what I hear around Dave Steffan is the boy and Tovey was about to be moved to start covering FB etc. I even heard a rumour they were asking him what he felt about 12, but how true that is I don't know.

Reed hasn't been announced, but its been pretty much certain for a while now.

Bradley, Reed, Down, Cook, Hill and Paterson - just wish we had the same depth at 3, 8, 9, 10 and 13

I agree 606, locks wise its looking good. Could really do with 2 decent centres, a 10 with Tovey, a TH but maybe this french boy could fill the hole. The fact we still are relying on Rush at 8 shows the lack of depth there, I have no idea who this Hamilton is, is he Welsh, age?, any good?.

Hamilton will be 20 or 21. From what I seen of him in the U20s he is a very good player.

martyr_94 wrote:I agree 606, locks wise its looking good. Could really do with 2 decent centres, a 10 with Tovey, a TH but maybe this french boy could fill the hole. The fact we still are relying on Rush at 8 shows the lack of depth there, I have no idea who this Hamilton is, is he Welsh, age?, any good?.

Yeah, he is an academy player - played a few times this season. Not sure how he will do against a good backrow though.

martyr_94 wrote:I agree 606, locks wise its looking good. Could really do with 2 decent centres, a 10 with Tovey, a TH but maybe this french boy could fill the hole. The fact we still are relying on Rush at 8 shows the lack of depth there, I have no idea who this Hamilton is, is he Welsh, age?, any good?.

Luke Hamilton played a few games for Cardiff Blues last season.

http://www.cardiffblues.com/rugby/4962.php

The Blues have kept this quiet. http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/5809.php
Cardiff Blues can confirm they have signed Fijian international prop forward Campese Ma'afu and 24-year-old blindside flanker Robin Copeland from Rotherham ahead of the new season

Ma'afu not Copeland.

Ma'afu isn't a good signing. The few times i've seen him play hes been destroyed in the scrums

I'm confused, does this mean we're still getting Beniot? As that still hasnt been announced.

Coleman wrote:I'm confused, does this mean we're still getting Beniot? As that still hasnt been announced.

Bonoit is a THP, so I assume he is replacing Filise

Campese is replacing Gethin I guess

Campese and Copeland both coming from 2nd division teams.

gowales wrote:Ma'afu isn't a good signing. The few times i've seen him play hes been destroyed in the scrums

Great....brilliant replacement for Gethin.

Anyone know anything about a hooker called Kyriacou from Ulster?

Or Rob Lewis from London Welsh?

The thing that bothered me the most from this interview was this quote

Speaking of the signing, Cardiff Blues Forwards Coach Justin Burnell said:

"A big thing for us as a region and a team is that we should be looking at a three year cycle of establishing a group of players that will be here to build for the future."


Does it not worry anyone else that this man is talking about a three year plan?

Why are the Blues buying Copeland and Mafu??????


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17712851

Coleman wrote:The thing that bothered me the most from this interview was this quote

Speaking of the signing, Cardiff Blues Forwards Coach Justin Burnell said:

"A big thing for us as a region and a team is that we should be looking at a three year cycle of establishing a group of players that will be here to build for the future."


Does it not worry anyone else that this man is talking about a three year plan?

Yes, yes it does.

Im worried that he is still in charge this week.

maestegmafia wrote:Why are the Blues buying Copeland and Mafu??????


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17712851

Why do you think?

Well regardless of how technical Ma'afu and Bourrust are. We'll have a heavy front row next season. Ma'afu (118kg) Breeze (112 kg) Bourrust (126kg).