The Cardiff Blues’ Former Players Association were crowned champions of the 2019 Cardiff Blues Corporate World Cup Tag Festival earlier this week.
The side, representing England and led by captain Tom Shanklin and including former Blues stars such as Ceri Sweeney and T Rhys Thomas, scraped past WRW Construction, as Japan, in a competitive final.
Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions and LT Scaffolding Services reached the final four, while proud sponsors such as The Indigo Group, High Motive, Sphere Solutions and IMIUM also competed on the day.
Cardiff Blues commercial manager, Chris Allen, was delighted with the turn-out and the opportunity to welcome partners to a fun-filled day at the home of the region’s senior side.
He said: “It’s been a very competitive day, but it’s been great to see all the rugby being played in good spirits.
“For us, it’s fantastic to give our proud partners an opportunity to come together for a bit of fun and to play on the famous Arms Park pitch.
“We’re extremely grateful to all our partners for their support throughout the season, and it’s great to see everyone coming together for a day like this.
“The competition has been growing stronger over a number of years and we’re already looking forward to seeing these teams return next season to gain revenge over the former players!”
Winning skipper and former Wales international, Shanklin, added: “It was very good and it’s very pleasing to win. We sat here with a couple of goals at the start of the tournament which was not to let ourselves down and not let the teams down.
“I think I chose our team very well, and cherry picked an array of positions and we also had a ringer in Chris Lloyd from Heineken.
“It’s silverware, and you can’t have enough silverware.
“I’d like to thank Cardiff Blues for putting this tournament on and handing us this lovely trophy.
“It’s been a great day and we’re going to celebrate like the true champions that we are.
“It’s positive news all round for the Cardiff Blues. I’m sure this trophy will sit nicely alongside the Challenge Cup from two seasons ago in the trophy room.”
