We continue our Cardiff Blues Ultimate XV with outside centre and what a line-up we have!
Jamie Roberts is the latest to take his place in the dream team but who will join him in the midfield?
Casey Laulala (2009-2012 | 65 appearances | 15 tries | 2 caps for New Zealand)
Super Rugby winner and All Blacks international Casey Laulala arrived at the Welsh capital during the 2009/10 campaign. The classy centre immediately set-up an effective midfield partnership with Jamie Roberts, with Cardiff Blues lifting the Amlin Challenge Cup at the end of his first campaign. Laulala, whose strengths included his handling skills and his ability to beat defenders, was named in the league’s Dream Team in 2010/11.
Rey Lee-Lo (2015-present | 107 appearances | 22 tries | 26 caps for Samoa)
Rey Lee-Lo has been an instrumental member of the backline since arriving at the Arms Park in 2015. The Samoan international has established himself as one of Europe’s best outside centres and is a dangerous attacker and a solid defender. Lee-Lo, who passed a century of appearances earlier this season, was named Player of the Season in 2017 and featured in the Guinness PRO14 Dream Team last season.
Jamie Robinson (2003-2009 | 108 appearances | 29 tries | 23 caps for Wales)
Wales international Jamie Robinson was another dangerous attacker, and his record of 29 tries in 108 appearances sees him ranked fourth on the region’s all time try-scoring list. The former Ysgol Glantaf pupil was also the Celtic League’s top try scorer in the 2003/04 season. Robinson also touched down for seven tries in 23 appearances for Wales and spent a decade at the Arms Park, captaining the region, before moving to Toulon.
Tom Shanklin (2003-2011 | 114 appearances | 28 tries | 70 caps for Wales)
Tom Shanklin signed for Cardiff Blues ahead of the inaugural regional campaign, and made quite an impact at the Welsh capital. Sitting just behind Robinson in the try scoring charts, Shanklin starred in the 2009 EDF Cup win over Gloucester. The son of former Wales international, Jim, Shanklin had an impressive career on the international stage, winning two Grand Slams and was selected for the 2005 and 2009 British and Irish Lions tours.
Gareth Thomas (2007-2010 | 60 appearances | 12 tries | 331 points | 100 caps for Wales | 3 caps for British and Irish Lions)
Following a stint with Cardiff earlier in his career, ’Alfie’ returned to the Arms Park in 2007, having won a Grand Slam and a Heineken Cup during his three years with Toulouse. British and Irish Lion Thomas, who became the first player to achieve 100 caps for Wales, featured in the 2009 EDF Cup Final win over Gloucester and in the run-in to the Heineken Cup semi final
Owen Williams (2010-2014 | 34 appearances | 2 tries | 4 caps for Wales)
Owen Williams was a highly promising centre who came through the academy ranks at Cardiff Blues. An athletic centre with an impressive turn of pace, Williams had a number of memorable moments for his home region, including a winning score away in Munster. His form on a regional level earned him four caps for Wales. Williams was tragically forced to retire in 2014 with a spinal injury, which led to the #StayStrongForOws charity being founded.
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