Cardiff Blues players returned to training today following their summer break and the Blues welcome a number of new faces to the squad.
Cardiff Blues players returned to training today following their summer break and the Blues welcome a number of new faces to the squad.
Hurricanes Lock/Blindside flanker, Michael Paterson, London Welsh Backrow forward Tom Brown, and Doncaster Knights pair Bryn Griffiths (Second Row) and Tom Davies (Prop) all joined the squad as they prepare for the 2010/11 season. Xavier Rush, who was due to join up with Ulster for the start of the 2010/11 season, has also re-signed with the region, while Glasgow Warriors Outside Half, Dan Parks, will be arriving in early August, having toured Argentina with Scotland.
Meanwhile Robin Sowden Taylor, Scott Morgan, Darren Allinson, Dai Flanagan and Sam Norton Knight have all departed the Blues to pursue their rugby careers elsewhere. Darren Allinson joined London Irish, Flanagan joined the Ospreys while Sam Norton Knight has signed with Sanyo Wild Knights in Japan.
Robin Sowden Taylor and Scott Morgan are looking to finalise contracts with other clubs over the forthcoming weeks while Blues Backs coach, Billy Millard, has also left to take up a teaching post in Adelaide, Australia.
Director of Rugby, David Young said, "Everyone at the Blues would like to thank the players for their contribution, both on and off the field, over the past few years."
"They have all played their part in moving the region forward and we wish them the best of luck with their rugby careers."
"We look forward to welcoming the new players to the squad and build on the foundations we laid last season."
"Lifting the Amlin Cup in the South of France was an incredible highlight for our fans and everyone involved at the Blues, and we truly appreciate their support throughout the ups and downs of the whole season."
"As we look to build on these achievements next season, the loyalty of our supporters remains of huge importance to the players and the rest of the Blues team, and vital to our success on the pitch."
Players Arriving
Dan Parks - outside half (Glasgow Warriors)
Michael Paterson - lock/Blindside flanker (Hurricanes)
Tom Brown - back row (London Welsh)
Bryn Griffiths - second row (Doncaster Knights)
Tom Davies - prop (Doncaster Knights)
Players Departed
Darren Allinson - London Irish
Dai Flanagan - Ospreys
Sam Norton Knight - Sanyo Wild Knights, Japan
Robin Sowden Taylor
Scott Morgan
Coaches
Bill Millard - Teaching post in Adelaide, Australia
Departed mid season
Gareth Thomas - Crusaders Rugby League
Darren Morris - Northampton Saints
Dafydd James - Sale Sharks