Cardiff Blues Season Thread (Toulon fall in Cardiff)

by wales606 Wed 9 Jan - 8:22

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)

by pioden gorllewin Wed 30 Jan - 16:38

Liam Davies has signed for blues on a short term deal. talented 9, just some issues around his attitude.

by wales606 Wed 30 Jan - 16:49

pioden gorllewin wrote:Liam Davies has signed for blues on a short term deal. talented 9, just some issues around his attitude.

We desperately need a 9. With a couple of mid-season signing it looks like PT really is fed up and looking to improve the club substantially next season.

Liam Davies is a decent SH, probably better than anyone else we have got unless LW returns to form. We will just get Xavier Rush to shout at him for a while, that should sort out his attitude Wink

by maestegmafia Wed 30 Jan - 16:59

The Cardiff Blues have completed the signing of scrum-half Liam Davies on a short-term deal.

Davies has spent time at Brive, Scarlets, Ospreys, London Welsh and the Dragons and will play for the Blues until the end of the season. "Liam is a player that I am familiar with having coached him as a 19 year old in the Scarlets," Blues coach Phil Davies said. "He is a very talented scrum half who has a great pass, a good kick and does the basics well.

"He played alongside Andy Goode in Brive and has come home looking for an opportunity to play. He will give us extra cover at scrum half for the rest of the season with Rob Lewis having returned to London Welsh on a loan spell."

ESPN

by pioden gorllewin Wed 30 Jan - 17:03

think his parting shot to the scarlets was via his facebook page, his status read: "scarlets at it again....messing players about...clueless, cowboys...hope boys messed about rub there noses in it!!!!"

not really professional, but you're right if he thought rush was going to knock on his door. he might tow the line a bit more!

guessing he is covering rob lewis while he's on loan at LW. But with a view of a longer contract if he impresses for the remaining of the season.

by wales606 Wed 30 Jan - 17:09

Pity Rob Lewis didn't really get a chance.

by XR Wed 30 Jan - 19:25

interesting signing, let's see how it goes.

by Morgannwg Wed 30 Jan - 19:31

think his parting shot to the scarlets was via his facebook page, his status read: "scarlets at it again....messing players about...clueless, cowboys...hope boys messed about rub there noses in it!!!!"

not really professional, but you're right if he thought rush was going to knock on his door. he might tow the line a bit more!

Well how would you feel if for no reason your employers said they were bringing in Tavis Knoyle to replace you.

by thebluesmancometh Wed 30 Jan - 20:44

I tell you what with all this top international quality PT promised the wage cap will be in danger!!!

by Cardiff Dave Wed 30 Jan - 23:20

thebluesmancometh wrote:I tell you what with all this top international quality PT promised the wage cap will be in danger!!!

Wage cap?

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 31 Jan - 8:34

Morgannwg wrote:
think his parting shot to the scarlets was via his facebook page, his status read: "scarlets at it again....messing players about...clueless, cowboys...hope boys messed about rub there noses in it!!!!"

not really professional, but you're right if he thought rush was going to knock on his door. he might tow the line a bit more!
Well how would you feel if for no reason your employers said they were bringing in Tavis Knoyle to replace you.

That was when he left us end of the RWC season. He also had issues when he was at the Ospreys (after his first stint at PYS), I think he called Cuddy a fat steward or something.

That said he is a very good scrum half, a little firey sometimes, but maybe that will give the Blues backline a little spark.

by wales606 Fri 15 Feb - 7:06

Blues have resigned the Williams brothers

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/6243.php

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 15 Feb - 9:07

Good to see them staying.

Looks like Eifion Lewis Roberts may not be coming (dispite rumours) if he does get the drugs ban, but reading the stuff on the Beeb site, Gethin coming back looks probable.

by wales606 Fri 15 Feb - 9:14

Don't think Roberts was ever a real rumour

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 15 Feb - 9:39

wales606 wrote:Don't think Roberts was ever a real rumour

Ah fair enough then, saw he was on that monsterously long rumour list thread, but that said anyone who is welsh, or with a welsh sounding name, or who has ever visited wales, tends to be on the Blues rumoured target list over the season.

by Morgannwg Fri 15 Feb - 14:58

wales606 wrote:Blues have resigned the Williams brothers

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/6243.php

You must be overjoyed.

by Morgannwg Fri 15 Feb - 14:59

wales606 wrote:Don't think Roberts was ever a real rumour

How old is he now? He seems to be highly rated. If we could get him back playing in Wales he would give us a utility prop option for the world cup, and could do a better job of that than Paul James.

by wales606 Fri 15 Feb - 15:01

Morgannwg wrote:
wales606 wrote:Blues have resigned the Williams brothers

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/6243.php

You must be overjoyed.

If they play like they have this season for the next 3 then I won't be happy. However, I have hope, Lloyd has looked good off the bench for Wales.

by wales606 Fri 15 Feb - 15:03

Morgannwg wrote:
wales606 wrote:Don't think Roberts was ever a real rumour

How old is he now? He seems to be highly rated. If we could get him back playing in Wales he would give us a utility prop option for the world cup, and could do a better job of that than Paul James.

Not if he is banned for 2 years

Paul James is a LHP

We already have Adam, Mitchell, Jarvis, Andrews and Lee who have been involved in the last 6 months. Roberts hasn't been having good reviews for several years now.

by Newsilure Fri 15 Feb - 15:41

Morgannwg wrote:
wales606 wrote:Blues have resigned the Williams brothers

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/6243.php

You must be overjoyed.

We are, they both have bright futures. Apart from a Samoan passing thru, Lloyd is probably the best scrum half playing in Wales today and will get better, i haven't seen much of Tom but he is seen as good prospect.

by wales606 Fri 22 Feb - 7:52

Gethin is heading back

by Coleman Fri 22 Feb - 8:01

Hmmm. I wonder what we paid to get him out of his contract, if we paid anything at all. I hope we haven’t paid over the odds as he may well be away with Wales a lot, same with Rees. On the plus, Jenkins, Rees, Andrew/Beniot is a fairly decent front row. With Bradley and Paulo behind we may well be able to nudge some teams about in the Rabo.

by Artful_Dodger Fri 22 Feb - 8:11

Gethin isn't what he used to be to be honest, not close to what he used to be in fact and I thought Blues would have learned with the Xavier Rush Ulster debacle that paying compensation for players coming towards the end of their careers isn't very clever.

by wales606 Fri 22 Feb - 8:46

Artful_Dodger wrote:Gethin isn't what he used to be to be honest, not close to what he used to be in fact and I thought Blues would have learned with the Xavier Rush Ulster debacle that paying compensation for players coming towards the end of their careers isn't very clever.

Rush did still provide some good performances, they just shouldn't have paid so much to release him.

I don't think Toulon have been paid very much at all, they wanted Gethin gone, Gethin wanted to go and the Blues did play hardball on Gethin's wages for ages.

by bedfordwelsh Fri 22 Feb - 10:15

Despite suggesting on the International thread that Jenkins shouldn't be starting for Wales in his defence he did have his bet game for sometime against the French added to that he has never been known as a destructive scrummager in the Sheridan mould and thats the type of player Toulon wanted.

Given (I imagine) he will be 1st choice again for the Blues then at least he will be getting regular game time which will help him all round.

by XR Fri 22 Feb - 10:37

Artful_Dodger wrote:Gethin isn't what he used to be to be honest, not close to what he used to be in fact and I thought Blues would have learned with the Xavier Rush Ulster debacle that paying compensation for players coming towards the end of their careers isn't very clever.

Rush paid for his release out of his own pocket, £75,000 apparently

by Cardiff Dave Fri 22 Feb - 23:22

Season ticket sales up, revenue up plus a predicted profit making year meaning that Cardiff are now able to strengthen their front 5. Compare this situation to a year ago when it was all doom and gloom.
Thank you Cardiff Arms Park and no thanks CCS.

by wales606 Fri 1 Mar - 8:26

Cardiff Blues are delighted to have re-signed Rhys Patchell, Sam Hobbs, Rhys Williams, Tom Davies and Richard Smith
The five youngsters, Patchell, Hobbs, Williams, Davies and Smith are key to Phil Davies' 25x25 vision of having twenty-five players under the age of twenty-five in the squad.
Speaking of the signings Phil Davies said,

"At the start of year everyone said that Rhys Patchell can do this and that, you are never short of advice on players but the one thing I have always looked for in players is there temperament.

"I look back over the years at some of the players that have come through; Danny Care at Leeds, Simon Easterby, players like that who have gone on to play international rugby and that is what struck me about Rhys very early on.

"He is a very intelligent young man, has a very good temperament and he takes things in his stride.

"What we must remember is he a young man and it is important that we nurture him and I think that the staff here have done a great job for Rhys and he has done a fantastic job for us.

"Rhys is the future of the Blues, players like him, Sam Hobbs, Tom Davies and Tom Williams are the type we want to be building the team around.

"That is why it was so important to get him to stay and to have him around for the next three years is fantastic.
"I think we have given him the opportunity and he has taken it.

"We had stick for some of the results early on because we were trying to develop, grow and nurture the squad to gain some depth for ourselves.

"We have achieved that now and the results have got a little bit better.

"There is a bigger picture and it is about putting things into context, we are starting to do that.

"Never at any point have we got excited or emotional about anything, we have just continued to work hard and harder.

"Patchell alongside Ceri Sweeney, Jason Tovey and Gareth Davies, have all made a contribution but Patchell has really grabbed the mantel and has done exceptionally well.

"He still has a long way to go but for a young player he is remarkably composed, he has an outstanding temperament and that will help him in years to come."

Speaking of Sam Hobbs and Rhys Williams, Phil Davies said,

"We are very lucky that we have got Sam Hobbs who I feel is one of the outstanding front row prospects in Wales.

"I am pretty sure that he will play for Wales in the next few years.

"What I like about Sam is not just his scurmaging that he is developing, but his overall game.

"He is a strong guy, his line out lifting is good; his ability to tackle and jackal at the break down in defences is excellent.
"He is a good all round rugby player.

"He understands the wider picture and he understands the game.

"For me it was vitally important that we kept him in the squad.

"He is one of those players that wants to understand the game and the way he studies the game is exceptional for a young player.

"I am pleased he has come back and overcome some bad injuries; he has overcome that and works exceptionally hard.

"I am delighted that we have got him and I am sure he will be a Welsh international in the near future.

"I know Rhys Williams from my time coaching the Wales Under 20s.

"When he played then he gave me good line out throws, good set piece play and he was industrious around the pitch.

"I always felt looking here that he perhaps did not have the opportunity to show what he is capable of doing.

"This year he has played in every level of competition and played well.

"He has played against some of the top front rows in Europe had held his own.

"For me next year he needs to replicate this year's performance with a little bit of improvement he will have established himself as one of the main Hookers not just for the Blues but in Wales.

"He has all the attributes to go all the way.

"This is the first season that he is in the fore front of rugby in a Blues Senior squad.

"I am delighted he is staying and he has done exceptionally well.

"There is a lot more to come from Rhys and with Matthew Rees being here will really help him develop.

Speaking of Tom Davies and Richard Smith, Phil Davies added,

"Richard is a player who has been in and around the region for a few years, he has played Sevens rugby and is a strong robust player.

"He made his debut in the Centre against Munster this season, with Jamie Roberts inside him, and his attitude and professionalism is excellent.

"He has been with the Sevens for a number seasons so he understands what top level rugby is about and will be with us for the next two years.

"We are very lucky here, when you look at the front row situation, with the experience of Fau Filise and then the youth part of it with Scott Andrews and Sam Hobbs who are only 23.

"Then you have Tom Davies who is not even 20 yet, who again has played rugby in the pre-season and has made his debut in the Rabo this year in the Dragons game.

"I thought he was outstanding coming on when we were a man down, they got a penalty scrum near our line when we had seven forwards and we defended strongly.

"He, along with Sam Hobbs, are future Welsh props and we are very lucky to have them here for the next three years.
"With front row forwards you need to see what they can be rather than what they are now. Scott Andrews is a good example of this."

"We are in a unique position in Wales because of the way the national team manages the players.

"I think that we need to retain all our outstanding young players and hopefully those we have signed, such as Matthew Rees, will help add value and experience to the squad.

"The current squad will be a lot better and we will be a lot stronger next season.

"We just have to go along with the principals we have this season, trying to get 25 players under the age of 25 at the club for the next three or four years.

"We are building it around that number and age pool, so we can start challenging the likes of Leinster and Ulster, or any other team for that matter," concluded Davies.

by Coleman Fri 1 Mar - 9:20

Really glad that we've resigned Patch! Not to sure about Hobbs, but he is still young. We've done really well in resigning our yonger players this season. Really looking forward to next season!

by Guest Fri 1 Mar - 9:23

The Blues are looking to sign Samoan lock Filo Paulo from Auckland Blues. Would be a good signing, but can't be cheap!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21605711

by wales606 Fri 1 Mar - 9:39

Griff wrote:The Blues are looking to sign Samoan lock Filo Paulo from Auckland Blues. Would be a good signing, but can't be cheap!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21605711

Yeah, that's been around for a while, the north harbour coach seemed to confirm it a few month ago

by Cardiff Dave Fri 1 Mar - 11:27

wales606 wrote:
Griff wrote:The Blues are looking to sign Samoan lock Filo Paulo from Auckland Blues. Would be a good signing, but can't be cheap!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21605711

Yeah, that's been around for a while, the north harbour coach seemed to confirm it a few month ago

Yet Richard Holland says "If its not him, it will be someone of a similar ilk. He is the profiles of the type of player coming in."
Wonder what the delay is all about?

by Morgannwg Fri 1 Mar - 16:02

Patchell is fundamental to the Blues going forward. Not so sure about the other 4 though...

by Cardiff Dave Fri 1 Mar - 18:46

Morgannwg wrote:Patchell is fundamental to the Blues going forward. Not so sure about the other 4 though...

Indeed and so far he's shown he has what it takes to be the real deal who will be hot property in the not too distant I reckon.
Very astute by Cardiff Blues to tie him down for 3 years. Strengthen the pack and he'll blossom no worries.
Dare I say, but I can sense a smidgen of ambition.

by thebluesmancometh Fri 1 Mar - 19:11

A smidgen might be the right word, but we are definately heading in the right direction, just a shame about the Jenkins and Rees signings not being 2 years ago.

by Cardiff Dave Fri 1 Mar - 19:36

thebluesmancometh wrote:A smidgen might be the right word, but we are definately heading in the right direction, just a shame about the Jenkins and Rees signings not being 2 years ago.

by Coleman Fri 1 Mar - 20:00

This is what this season was all about. What are peoples thoughts on this 25x25 policy that Davies is talking about?

by Morgannwg Fri 1 Mar - 20:01

The 25x25 policy is lost on me. Explain?

by Coleman Fri 1 Mar - 20:12

Sorry, it was in the Echo today i should have explained. Basically Phil Davies has initiated an internal policy saying that he wants 25 players under the age of 25 at the region through out his time at the Blues.

by wales606 Mon 4 Mar - 8:46

Filo Paulo confirmed by the Blues

"We are looking at specialist positions in recruitment, such as front row players and scrum halves.

"However, wherever possible in your back five of the scrum or the back five from the half backs, centres, wingers, full backs we are looking for some versatility.

"Because of the restrictions of the salary cap it is important to have certain versatility.

"Taking those principals on board Filo's ability to play four, five, six or eight was a big influence on him coming here.

"He is only 24 years old and has played Super 15s for Auckland Blues and has played international rugby for Samoa.

"He is the right age profile and has an immaculate injury record, physically he is extremely fit.

"He will definitely add value to the current crop of back five players for us.

"He will be with us all the time, week in week out, and we have four other second rows who are all Welsh qualified.

"His arrival will add strength and depth to the team."

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 4 Mar - 11:09

Coleman wrote:Sorry, it was in the Echo today i should have explained. Basically Phil Davies has initiated an internal policy saying that he wants 25 players under the age of 25 at the region through out his time at the Blues.

Seems sensible for developing a long term squad, the problem is are they 25 players who have come throught he system, or 25 youngsters signed up from elsewhere when they are 24?

by Morgannwg Mon 4 Mar - 18:25

And what if they stay within the system for a while and become over 25...

by wales606 Tue 5 Mar - 11:40

Scott Williams to the Blues?

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 5 Mar - 11:43

wales606 wrote:Scott Williams to the Blues?

Where did you hear that one? I have heard of a few of our centres leaving, but I must be honest Scott is the only one I haven't heard talk of leaving (well and Foxy but he only just re-signed).

by wales606 Tue 5 Mar - 11:44

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
wales606 wrote:Scott Williams to the Blues?

Where did you hear that one? I have heard of a few of our centres leaving, but I must be honest Scott is the only one I haven't heard talk of leaving (well and Foxy but he only just re-signed).

Blues forums, seems possible perhaps part of the Warren rumour

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 5 Mar - 11:51

wales606 wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:
wales606 wrote:Scott Williams to the Blues?

Where did you hear that one? I have heard of a few of our centres leaving, but I must be honest Scott is the only one I haven't heard talk of leaving (well and Foxy but he only just re-signed).

Blues forums, seems possible perhaps part of the Warren rumour

I heard Warren to Blues/Glaws, Reynolds maybe not being get on, Maule to London Irish. But Williams going is a new one, and I am not too sure what would be in it for him, bar the cash, as he is first choice at the Scarlets alongside fellow welsh international Jon Davies, and with Roberts going to france, the Foxy and Scott combnation may well be enough to tilt the starting place for wales in his favour.

That said I will be eagerly waiting the outcome of this one, as you can never rule out a player moving to the Blues just because of the cash/city lifestyle that is availbale.

by Cardiff Dave Tue 5 Mar - 12:11

wales606 wrote:Filo Paulo confirmed by the Blues

Broke Biggar in the Autumn didn't he?
Just the player we need too; big, aggressive and good in the lineout.

http://www.theblues.co.nz/players/174-Filo-Paulo.aspx

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 5 Mar - 12:12

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:Filo Paulo confirmed by the Blues

Broke Biggar in the Autumn didn't he?
Just the player we need too; big, aggressive and good in the lineout.

http://www.theblues.co.nz/players/174-Filo-Paulo.aspx

Just hope that that RABO and HEC citing commisioners are as soft as the IRB ones.

by Cardiff Dave Tue 5 Mar - 12:19

wales606 wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:
wales606 wrote:Scott Williams to the Blues?

Where did you hear that one? I have heard of a few of our centres leaving, but I must be honest Scott is the only one I haven't heard talk of leaving (well and Foxy but he only just re-signed).

Blues forums, seems possible perhaps part of the Warren rumour

Big pinch of salt required by the sound of it.
Cardiff need to strengthen at centre though obviously with Roberts off and we never adequately replaced Laulala after the big clearout.
How is the NWQ quota looking by the way?

by Cardiff Dave Tue 5 Mar - 12:23

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:Filo Paulo confirmed by the Blues

Broke Biggar in the Autumn didn't he?
Just the player we need too; big, aggressive and good in the lineout.

http://www.theblues.co.nz/players/174-Filo-Paulo.aspx

Just hope that that RABO and HEC citing commisioners are as soft as the IRB ones.

I'll wager he'll receive his fair share of yellows next season.

by XR Tue 5 Mar - 12:24

Our NWQ looks like this, i think

Petru Tamba - Contract ends this season and with gethin returning i doubt he's gonna stick around
Michael Patterson - Becomes Welsh qualified this season
Fau Filise - Most likely retiring
Andy Kyriacou - Not sure how long he signed for, probably will be allowed to leave at the end of the year.
Robin Copeland - Need to re-sign him on a long term deal ASAP
Filo Paulo - Just signed

That's just from memory, i think that's right? So at the moment, next season, we're looking at Copeland & Paulo being the only NWQ in the squad. But i would hope we can get at least 2 more, just to add something different.

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