3 New Signings Plus 2 Acadamy Transfers

Ban Blair - At last
By Andrew Collins
June 7 2006

The Blues today, at long last, confirmed three new recruits and two academy players turning pro, taking the total tally signed for next season up to 7.

Cardiff today announced that Ben Blair will be playing for the club as of next season. The kiwi full back has been on Dai Young’s wanted list for the best part of the season, and after numerous approaches made by the region, Blair has officially been signed up.

 

Now 27, Blair comes as a very able back. His lightening quick pace, and jnky footwork will make the New Zealander fit right at home in Wales. He answers the call from many fans that say Rhys Williams is a winger rather then full back.

 

As well as providing an excellent attacking threat, Blair is an established kicker, and will surely take the weight off Nick Robinson who’s kicking is often irrational.

 

Also confirmed is Scott Morgan. The former Leeds, Bath and Llanelli forward is a good addition to the squad. 6ft 7’ Morgan can play second row or flanker, seemingly replacing Craig Quinnell and Maama Molitika.

 

Morgan’s signed a 3 year deal with the Blues, and has aspirations of playing for Wales now that he’s under the watchful eye of Gareth Jenkins.

 

Morgan turned down moves to the Scarlets and a late bid from the Ospreys to come to the Arms Park, and is sure to become a regular over the coming seasons. Llanelli now turn their attentions to former Wales skipper Colin Charvis, and former Blue Nathan Thomas as they look for cover for the injured Daffyd Jones.

 

The third new signing is Mosese Luveitasau. The 26 year old winger has 5 Figian caps with 3 tries to his name. He is another quick footed attacker like Blair, and will be vital in the coming seasons.

 

Known for some ferocious tackles, and is very, very quick. He will compete wit Rhys Williams and Chris Czekaj for one of two wing spots, but will be very handy to have during Welsh call ups when Chris is bound to be required.

 

In other transfer news, Duane Goodfeild has signed a pro contract with the region as expected, though he had attracted interest fro the Scarlets. His Ponty colleague, Wayne Evens, has also signed. The scrum half replaces the outgoing Ryan Powell and will become number 2 behind the ever-impressive Mike Phillips.

 

Bob Norster said of the players,

 

"There has been a real and steady progression in our performance this year which has resulted in us finishing the season as the highest placed Welsh region.

Obviously, we need to progress beyond that point and have consequently analysed our squad with a view to targeting players who can strengthen the team.  With the addition of these new signings combined to those already announced and supported by the significant number of quality, young players progressing into the professional environment from our Academy, we can look forward to the new season with real confidence."

 

These new signings take the total up to 7 new players for next season. Blair is obviously the jewel of next year, but the other players are necessary and important for the Blues to improve.

 

Out with the old has been the motto on most fans lips this year, seeing old boys Craig Quinnell, Craig Morgan, Ryan Powell and Ben Evans departing among others. With Gareth Williams, Tristan Davies, Martyn Jones and Roger Warren all (unofficially) leaving too there was fers the squad wouldn’t be big enough to cope with demands. But 7 good new names will improve that.

 

The squad will be smaller than last season, there’s no bones about that, but the quality of the players has improved no end. Of the players leaving, only Craig Quinnell and maybe Morgan will be that missed.

 

The squad is looking a lot healthier than ever before, and so is the wage bill.