Cardiff Blues can today confirm that Robin Sowden Taylor has joined the Newport Gwent Dragons.
Cardiff Blues can today confirm that Robin Sowden Taylor has joined the Newport Gwent Dragons.
Robin, who came through the youth ranks at Cardiff, is looking forward to a fresh start with the local rivals. Speaking of his decision to join the Dragons he said,
"Obviously I had a bit of mixed emotions about leaving the Blues."
"On one hand, this is a fantastic move for me, for my playing career and hopefully gives me the opportunity to get back into the Welsh set up, however, on the other hand I was sad to leave."
"I'd been there for 9 years and without sounding corny we were like a big family and I'll miss the players and everyone involved with the Blues."
"The last few months have been frustrating with injury but hopefully this is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another and hopefully it will do me a world of good as person and as a player."
"When I first joined Cardiff RFC it was a million miles off where the Blues are now. They were training on the University pitches and doing weights at David Lloyds Gym and it's been a fantastic experience watching the region grow bigger and better."
"The Blues are potentially up there with the best in Europe and a great bunch of guys. I feel now they are a real force in Europe and certainly not a push over."
"On a personal level the matches that stand out for me are when we beat Stade Francais at home in the Heineken Cup a few seasons ago on our way to reach the quarter finals and the time I first Captained the Blues up at Borders."
"It was also good to be part of the EDF Cup campaign, and great to see the team win their first piece of silverware since I joined 9 years ago."
Speaking of Robin's departure, Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young, said,
"I'd like to wish Robin the best of luck with his move."
"He's been a great servant for the Blues and has had a big impact both on and off the field."
"He's a true professional who never gives less than 100% both in training and playing."
"He's been very unlucky to be behind a player of Martyn Williams' quality and would have been far more of a household name otherwise."
"I believe Robin still has a lot of rugby in him and a high quality player like him is sure to prove to be a big hit for the Dragons."
"Playing regularly is sure to put him in contention for further international honours," added Young.
Robin will have the chance to face his former team mates when Cardiff Blues take on Newport Gwent Dragons at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday 27th August, kick off 7.30pm. Tickets are now on sale priced at £10 for adults and £5 for juniors. Available from www.cardiffblues.com/tickets or call 0845 3415 1400