Cardiff Blues Season Thread (Toulon fall in Cardiff)

[wales606]

First topic message reminder :

Keeping organised the ins and outs at the Blues leading into next season.

New Signing
Paetru Tamba (during the season)
Filo Paulo - North Harbour (confirmed)
Matthew Rees (confirmed)
Liam Davies (confirmed - until end of season)
Gethin Jenkins (confirmed)
Miles Normandale (confirmed)
Rhys Gill - Saracens (rumoured) Unlikely
Craig Mitchell - Exeter (rumoured) Unlikely
Adam Warren - Scarlets (rumoured)
Dan Lydiate - Dragons (mentioned) (rumoured)
Scott Williams - Scarlets (rumoured)
James Hook (rumoured - again)
Rodney So’oialo - Honda Heat (rumoured)
Aled Summerhill - Blues Academy
Ben Roach - Blues Academy
Ellis Jenkins - Blues Academy
Tom Pascoe - Blues Academy
Will Thomas - Blues Academy

Departures (all confirmed)
Jamie Roberts - Racing Metro
Ceri Sweeney - Exeter Chiefs
Tom James - Exeter Chiefs
Michael Paterson - Sale Sharks
Jason Tovey - Newport Gwent Dragons
Campese Ma'afu - Nottingham
Ryan Harford - Cardiff RFC
Nathan Trevett - London Welsh
Matthew Screech - Newport Gwent Dragons
Darren Harries - Scarlets
Jake Cooper Wooley - London Wasps
Cory Hill - Cornish Pirates
Petru Tamba - Unattached
Andi Kyriacou - Retired
Xavier Rush


Re-Signings
Alex Cuthbert (3 years)
Scott Andrews (2 years)
Josh Navidi (3 year)
James Down (unknown)
Andreus Pretorious (can't find the article...)
Marc Breeze (unknown)
Lewis Jones (unknown)
Lloyd Williams (3 years)
Tom Williams (3 years)
Rhys Patchell (3 years)
Sam Hobbs (?3 years?)
Rhys Williams (?3 years?)
Tom Davies (?3 years?)
Richard Smith (2 years)

[Cardiff Dave]

I think the Blues are well covered in the centre for next season with the likes of Cory Allen, Gavin Evans, Dafydd Hewitt, Rhys Patchell (came on as a centre today v Japan) and Owen Williams all competing for berths there. I don't see the need to sign another centre.

Evans and Hewitt are pretty awful

Allen and Owen are very green

Patchell is a no10 and will only play no10

Evans and Hewitt aint world beaters, but they're both decent enough for the Robabank. It is clear however that we do need a player with class/pedigree in the backline who will be available all season long ie not Welsh. An experienced Kiwi therefore would be good and I hope what you mentioned earlier turns out to be true.

[Cardiff Dave]

Leigh Halfpenny - can't see us keeping hold of him.
With his perfect kicking display against Force and his record points haul this weekend against the Waratahs, no doubt the French will offer even stupid-er money next season to entice him across the channel.

[The Saint]

Yep. And the WRU will just stand idly by.

[wales606]

What?

[Cardiff Dave]

Yep. And the WRU will just stand idly by.

The WRU know the score and unless they are mad, something must be happening behind the scenes to address the problem. One thing's for sure is that we should not take on the French in a price war coz we'll lose. If Clermont say offer 1/2p silly money then let him go I say.

[Cardiff Dave]

What?

Don't panic 606. I was merely wondering what will happen next season when 1/2p's contract is up for renewal.

[wales606]

Yep. And the WRU will just stand idly by.

The WRU know the score and unless they are mad, something must be happening behind the scenes to address the problem. One thing's for sure is that we should not take on the French in a price war coz we'll lose. If Clermont say offer 1/2p silly money then let him go I say.

Pretty much

If Clermont offer stupid money then we make the best offer we can and hope that Halfpenny would rather stay in Wales, at least for now, rather than threaten his international career by being unavailable for Wales games/training and having a more intense rugby season.

Halfpenny has the potential to be a great, I would say he is the best FB in the world at the moment - and he is still improving and could stay at the top for close to a decade if he stays fit. Going to France can improve a player, as it did with Thomas and Jones, but it can also be a complete disaster as Gethin has shown.

In the end, it will be Halfpenny's decision weighted by the level of the pay increase on offer in France.

If he continues his kicking form, the offer from France will be very substantial - perhaps one of the biggest around.

[wales606]

What?

Don't panic 606. I was merely wondering what will happen next season when 1/2p's contract is up for renewal.

I was replying to the wrong comment, no worries

[Cardiff Dave]

Yep. And the WRU will just stand idly by.

The WRU know the score and unless they are mad, something must be happening behind the scenes to address the problem. One thing's for sure is that we should not take on the French in a price war coz we'll lose. If Clermont say offer 1/2p silly money then let him go I say.

Pretty much

If Clermont offer stupid money then we make the best offer we can and hope that Halfpenny would rather stay in Wales, at least for now, rather than threaten his international career by being unavailable for Wales games/training and having a more intense rugby season.

Halfpenny has the potential to be a great, I would say he is the best FB in the world at the moment - and he is still improving and could stay at the top for close to a decade if he stays fit. Going to France can improve a player, as it did with Thomas and Jones, but it can also be a complete disaster as Gethin has shown.

In the end, it will be Halfpenny's decision weighted by the level of the pay increase on offer in France.

If he continues his kicking form, the offer from France will be very substantial - perhaps one of the biggest around.

Agreed and all he's lacking really is a Ben Blair type side step which would make him the ultimate dogs'.

[Cardiff Dave]

I think the Blues are well covered in the centre for next season with the likes of Cory Allen, Gavin Evans, Dafydd Hewitt, Rhys Patchell (came on as a centre today v Japan) and Owen Williams all competing for berths there. I don't see the need to sign another centre.

Think again.

[international197]

Think again.

I have and I still believe it.

[Cardiff Dave]

Think again.

I have and I still believe it.

Think and Believe what you like but I remember Cardiff Blues not so long ago having a choice of centres comprising of Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Jamie Robinson and Gareth Thomas.

[Scrumdown]

Yep. And the WRU will just stand idly by.

And Peter Thomas, the owner of the Cardiff Blues, and ultimate controller stands idly by, with £200million in the bank and all the power in the world to make Cardiff Blues one of the top teams in Europe but none of the vision, drive, determination or expertise to do so.  

Yet you swallow his excuses and those of the other regional owners and join the 'blame WRU' bandwagon.  

The only involvement the WRU has with the regions is in the running of their academies, which ironically is one of the few things the regions do well!

Ofcourse, it is pointless blaming Peter Thomas anyway. He is accountable to no one but himself and cannot be removed from his position and therein lies the problem.  Wealthy individuals making decisions that they are not qualified to make such as coaching appointments that harm welsh rugby.

[The Saint]

You know I'm not a Blues fan right?

[Cardiff Dave]

Yep. And the WRU will just stand idly by.

And Peter Thomas, the owner of the Cardiff Blues, and ultimate controller stands idly by, with £200million in the bank and all the power in the world to make Cardiff Blues one of the top teams in Europe but none of the vision, drive, determination or expertise to do so.  

Yet you swallow his excuses and those of the other regional owners and join the 'blame WRU' bandwagon.  

The only involvement the WRU has with the regions is in the running of their academies, which ironically is one of the few things the regions do well!

Ofcourse, it is pointless blaming Peter Thomas anyway. He is accountable to no one but himself and cannot be removed from his position and therein lies the problem.  Wealthy individuals making decisions that they are not qualified to make such as coaching appointments that harm welsh rugby.

Ole!

[wales606]

From the Blues Facebook page

"There’s more than 1 new thing coming in 2013/14…….. don’t miss out Sat 20th July 2:30pm"

I assume this is the new kit announcement, but "more than 1" suggests there might be more news coming out? Anyone know?

[international197]

The reason they're changing their kit I assume is to receive more money from selling a new kit. Isn't the pitch also new?

[wales606]

Isn't the pitch also new?

Ah yeah, that could be what they mean

It's been a few years since they have had a new kit, so it makes sense to bring one out now

They look great too.

[ScarletSpiderman]

The new pitch won't be down by then though, at least I doubt it would be that quick.

New signings tend to be leaked, so I assume seeing as the rumour mill is running silent it is unlikely to be a new signing.

Which makes me think it is only the shirt, which Wales606 has leaked already.

[wales606]

The new pitch won't be down by then though, at least I doubt it would be that quick.

New signings tend to be leaked, so I assume seeing as the rumour mill is running silent it is unlikely to be a new signing.

Which makes me think it is only the shirt, which Wales606 has leaked already.

There are more signings coming apparently, I would be very surprised if there isn't at least 1 more, and I expect more than 1.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Now doubt there will be another signing, I meant I doubt that is the announcement one the 20th.

[wales606]

Looks like they are giving the tuft away to whoever wants some

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/6419.php

[international197]

Speaking of the work, Cardiff Arms Park Head Groundsman Bryan walker said,

"The contractors have been in since the weekend and everything is going well."
"They have dug down about two foot and it's there where we can see the problem on why the pitch was not draining."
"The mud has turned to clay due to the stone being put down during the construction of the Millennium Stadium roof and there was nowhere for the water to go"
"This stage should be finished by the end of this week and then the new contractors will come in to fit the base of the new artificial pitch."

Wouldn't it be cheaper if they removed the stones rather than install an expensive artificial pitch? The only problem I see in that is they would probably have to take away the natural pitch to get to the stones, but wouldn't there be a way in this 21st century to put the natural pitch back after removing the stones? Surely, they should remove the stones (now that they've reached the stones) even if they are going for an artificial pitch in case they decide to go back to natural in the future.

[international197]

Looks like they are giving the tuft away to whoever wants some

I can't believe they're giving the turf away for free; I think they could make a tidy profit on that.

[wales606]

Nathan Trevett is off to London Welsh

[Coleman]

Nathan Trevett is off to London Welsh

This is a good thing, no offence to the guy. But he was never regional quality.

[pioden gorllewin]

Nathan Trevett is off to London Welsh

This is a good thing, no offence to the guy. But he was never regional quality.

guess it's the Justin burnell link taking him to LW. You'd think LW will struggle scrum time with the likes of Trevett and Peter Edwards.

[wales606]

Filo Paulo just scored his first international try

I hope he can kick on at the Blues next season, as he was a little disappointing at the end of last season.

[The Saint]

Him and Davies should be a wrecking ball 2nd row. Hopefully your coaches have more nous then they have done but I can't see that happening .

[wales606]

Jason Tovey has apparently asked to be released to return to the Dragons.

From a very reliable source on the Blues forum

Waste of money at the Blues then, barely played, and was awful when he did.

More rumours of Hook to the Blues - I guess we will need a new FH cover, but I doubt it will be Hook (not with Patchell the first choice 10 at least :/)

[dragon4life]

Whats the link to the blues forum?

[wales606]

http://www.rugbynetwork.net/boards/read/s170.htm?221,14094902

[Coleman]

Tovey hasnt really made the impact he would have liked. He was coming in to be our 10 and Patch just exploded on to the scene. Can't see Hook coming to us unless he is doing it to get back in the Wales set up. Gatland seems to hate him, so i say stay out in the sun and enjoy yourself.

[Guest]

Bit of a whoopsie from a know it all Blouse fan mind. Made up rumour about Tovey? Ouch

[wales606]

First he is staying, then he is going now he is staying again...

[international197]

How long has Hook been in Perpignan now? I think he would be an useful addition to the Blues squad for the 2013/2014 season as he can cover fly-half, inside centre, outside centre and fullback. I believe in WQ players who are playing abroad coming back to Wales, so if Hook comes back, I think that would be a positive thing for Welsh rugby. However, I think the Blues are well covered at fly-half for next season with the likes of Rhys Patchell, Will Thomas and Jason Tovey battling for a starting spot there, also in the centre with the likes of Owen Williams, Cory Allen, Gavin Evans, Richard Smith, Aled Summerhill and Dafydd Hewitt competing for berths there and at fullback I suspect the likes of Leigh Halfpenny, Dan Fish, Chris Czekaj, Aled Summerhill and Jason Tovey will be competing for the berth there so if he does come to the Blues, I think he [Hook] will have to work very hard to get into the team, I sincerely hope that he does come back though.

[Seagultaf]

Perpignan have brought in a very highly rated young French no 10 by the name of Camille Lopez for next season. He started at 10 in the first test for France against the All Black's (France's best performance) and was on the bench yesterday. So maybe Hook will be looking for a new home soon?

Hook is a great all round rugby player but has struggled to hold onto the 10 jersey for both Wales and Ospreys. If Tovey leaves, he could fit in well at the Blues and help bring on Patchell who despite his youth, I expect to be ahead of Hook in the pecking order, pretty soon.

[wales606]

Perpignan have brought in a very highly rated young French no 10 by the name of Camille Lopez for next season. He started at 10 in the first test for France against the All Black's (France's best performance) and was on the bench yesterday. So maybe Hook will be looking for a new home soon?

Hook is a great all round rugby player but has struggled to hold onto the 10 jersey for both Wales and Ospreys. If Tovey leaves, he could fit in well at the Blues and help bring on Patchell who despite his youth, I expect to be ahead of Hook in the pecking order, pretty soon.

Well it sounds like Tovey is staying, but I would be very concerned with him at 10 tbh - probably best at FB these days

Didn't realise Lopez was going to Perpignan

Hook was their player of the season - so I can't really see them wanting rid, although I could be wrong

I would love to see him at 12 at the Blues, we could use that second distributor at 12

9. Lloyd Williams
10. Rhys Patchell
11. Harry Robinson
12. James Hook
13. Owen Williams/Cory Allen
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

21. Lewis Jones
22. Cory Allen/Owen Williams
23. Dan Fish

Or with Hook and Williams in the centres, we could play a 5/7 split in most games and give us a stronger forward pattern.

Won't happen though...

[glamorganalun]

How long has Hook been in Perpignan now? I think he would be an useful addition to the Blues squad for the 2013/2014 season as he can cover fly-half, inside centre, outside centre and fullback. I believe in WQ players who are playing abroad coming back to Wales, so if Hook comes back, I think that would be a positive thing for Welsh rugby. However, I think the Blues are well covered at fly-half for next season with the likes of Rhys Patchell, Will Thomas and Jason Tovey battling for a starting spot there, also in the centre with the likes of Owen Williams, Cory Allen, Gavin Evans, Richard Smith, Aled Summerhill and Dafydd Hewitt competing for berths there and at fullback I suspect the likes of Leigh Halfpenny, Dan Fish, Chris Czekaj, Aled Summerhill and Jason Tovey will be competing for the berth there so if he does come to the Blues, I think he [Hook] will have to work very hard to get into the team, I sincerely hope that he does come back though.

Hook would have to work hard to get into that team, you are joking, many of those players are not even regional standard, hence not challenging in the HC and RABO.

[international197]

Hook would have to work hard to get into that team, you are joking, many of those players are not even regional standard, hence not challenging in the HC and RABO.

I think he would have to work hard to get into the Blues starting fifteen in games in the 2013/2014 season, especially at fly-half and full-back, also centre, both inside and outside.

[wales606]

Hook would have to work hard to get into that team, you are joking, many of those players are not even regional standard, hence not challenging in the HC and RABO.

I think he would have to work hard to get into the Blues starting fifteen in games in the 2013/2014 season, especially at fly-half and full-back, also centre, both inside and outside.

Nope

He wouldn't start at 10 or 15,

But he would walts into the 12 shirt

Daffydd Hewitt and Richard Smith are the only proper 12s in the squad!

Evans and Williams are 13s,

and Allen has been playing at 13 for most of this season.

Hook would be our first choice centre by a long stretch, especially with Williams and Allen unproven.

[Guest]

Tovey is back

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23026927

[XR]

Had a feeling he would be off, he was playing for Cardiff RFC near the end of the season. Shame he never really got a crack of the whip but it must be that the blues are after another 10 - we only have the 1 now

[wales606]

Need a new 10 now

[international197]

I would suggest Nicky Robinson, but he has gone to Bristol for the 2013/2014 season.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21522834

Dai Flanagan of Pontypridd RFC is an option I think.

How about Jack Maynard?

Hook has the likes of Camille Lopez to compete with for the ten shirt if he stays at Perpignan next season. If he comes to the Blues, he will have the likes of Patchell to compete with for the ten shirt. So, I think he's going to be challenged very hard for the ten shirt if he stays at Perpignan or moves to the Blues.

[wales606]

Not Flanagan again thanks!

[international197]

also
http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Teams/Player?PersonId=151493
http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Teams/Player?PersonId=139605
http://www.ponty.net/humberstone-simon
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/beddaurfc/s/players-coaches-17529.html?player_id=743109
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/beddaurfc/s/players-coaches-17529.html?player_id=803888
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/beddaurfc/s/players-coaches-17529.html?player_id=743119
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/uwic/s/players-coaches-34029.html?player_id=308506

[dragon4life]

Flanagan is my coach for newport school u15

[Coleman]

197 You can't just get a list of names from near by clubs and put them down. Have you seen any of these players play? Gareth Davies has been tried at regiona level and struggles to get the back line going. And as for the Beddua flyhalfs. . .

[Cardiff Dave]

197 You can't just get a list of names from near by clubs and put them down. Have you seen any of these players play? Gareth Davies has been tried at regiona level and struggles to get the back line going. And as for the Beddua flyhalfs. . .

He can and he did. Gave me a giggle.

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