Alex Cuthbert set to stay with Blues
Cardiff Blues and Wales winger Alex Cuthbert says his preferred option is to stay with the Cardiff Blues.
Jamie Roberts joins exodus of top players from Wales
The centre will leave Cardiff Blues next summer. The club's chairman says it's now 'impossible' for the regions to compete financially.
Cardiff Blues to return to Arms Park
Cardiff Blues will return to the Arms Park next season following an agreement by Cardiff City Football Club to terminate their lease.
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New Blues pitch will provide "a more expansive and attractive game"
– Richard Holland, Chief Executive, Cardiff BluesThe new surface will allow games to go ahead no matter the weather and hopefully enable us to play a more expansive and attractive game for supporters to enjoy.
There is also the wider community to consider and our aim is to make the pitch available for teams in the Blues region to play and train on.
We’ve put a great amount of effort into researching the different surfaces available and I have no doubt that the new artificial pitch will be a hit with players and supporters alike.
Work on installing the new pitch will begin in June ahead of Cardiff Blues playing their first match on the new surface against Sale Sharks on 23 August.
Cardiff Blues get go-ahead for artificial pitch
by Nick Hartley, Sports Reporter
Cardiff Blues will go ahead with plans to install and artificial pitch at the Arms Park in time for the start of next season.
The idea has been mooted by the region for several months but has been dependent on it being ratified by both the Welsh Rugby Union and its own members.
It is hoped that the new surface will put an end to the heavy, mud soaked pitch that has plagued the region for several seasons and provide them with a facility that allows almost weather-proof events.
Club officials also believe that it will offer a significant rise in commercial opportunities given that there will be no limit on the number of matches and events which can be held at the stadium.
The surface is similar to the one installed at English Premier League club Saracens' Allianze Park Stadium in recent months and manufacturers say it has been tested past all required safety standards.
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Blues 28-13 Zebre (FT)
Three tries, including one from Jamies Roberts in his last home game, gave the Blues a victory over Zebre at Cardiff Arms Park. Final Score Cardiff Blues 28-12 Zebre.
Blues 21-6 Zebre (HT)
Cardiff Blues lead Zebre 21-6 at half-time at Cardiff Arms Park.
Blues match gets underway
Jamie Roberts' last home game for the Blues has begun. The rugby region are playing Zebre at the Arms Park in the Pro12.
Sweeney to leave Blues for Exeter Chiefs
Cardiff Blues fly half Ceri Sweeney is to join Exeter Chiefs at the end of the season.
The 33 year old, who joined the Blues from Newport Gwent Dragons in 2008, made his 100th appearance for the Blues in October.
Sweeney said: "It's an exciting move for me and my young family and it's a fresh challenge. I know it will be the first time i've played club rugby outside of Wales, but the thought of testing myself in the Premiership is something I'm really keen to do."
He will join Exeter on a one-year contract.
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Wales prop Gethin Jenkins to rejoin Cardiff Blues
Wales and Lions prop Gethin Jenkins will rejoin Cardiff Blues for the 2013/14 season.
He left at the end of last season to join France's RC Toulon, having originally joined the Blues in 2004.
“Gethin will be coming back to an environment that is a little different from the one he left and I think, hopefully, he will enjoy it and I know that he will add a massive amount to the group" says Phil Davies, Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby.
“I have heard how professional he is and I am really looking forward to working with him and welcoming him back to the Blues".
FULL TIME: Toulon 45 - 25 Blues
The Cardiff Blues went into the match knowing the wouldn't qualify for the Quarter finals of the Heineken Cup. Tries from Halfpenny, Cuthbert and Hewitt couldn't pave the way for a win.
The side were overwhelmed by their French hosts who scored six tries in the game.
Tovey grounded after dog eats passport
Cardiff Blues outside-half Jason Tovey was left grounded as his team mates headed to France for their Heineken Cup clash after his puppy ate his passport.
The 23-year-old was packed and ready to fly when he found his chewed-up passport on his bedroom floor.
He said: "Buster is always chewing things but usually it's my sock and shoes. As soon as I saw the passport I thought I'd never get through airport security with it.I was dreading telling my team coach, I didn't think anyone would believe me."
Tovey was due to line up with his team against Toulon tomorrow, but thanks to the labrador pup he's now facing a £103 bill for a new passport ready for his teams next match abroad.
Halfpenny returns to Blues starting line-up
Leigh Halfpenny will get his first start after the neck injury sustained during Wales 12-14 loss to Australia in the Autumn Internationals when the Blues meet Toulon in the Heineken Cup tomorrow.
The Blues have made four changes for the game, which is effectively a dead tie with the Blues unable to reach the competitions quarter final stage.
Halfpenny replaces Jason Tovey at full back while Gavin Evans has recovered from a back injury and Alex Cuthbert from a facial injury to start in place of Owen Williams and Richard Smith.
There is only one change in the forwards with James Down replacing Bradley Davies who remains at home ahead of the birth of his first child over the weekend.
Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Phil Davies said,
“Physically we are going into the Toulon match in the best shape we have been in as a group. The progress we have made from when we started back in June is quite staggering.
"I am confident, especially after the good results of the last few games that we are in the best place to be going out to face the Top 14 side.
“We need to go out there and make sure we front up physically and when we have the ball we get over the gain line.”
RC Toulon v Cardiff Blues
Saturday 12 January 2:35pm kick off (local time)
- Leigh Halfpenny 14. Alex Cuthbert 13. Gavin Evans 12. Jamie Roberts 11. Harry Robinson 10. Rhys Patchell 9. Lewis Jones
Robin Copeland 7. Sam Warburton 6. Josh Navidi (c ) 5. Lou Reed 4. James Down 3. Beniot Bourrust 2. Rhys Williams 1. Sam Hobbs
Kristian Dacey 17. Nathan Trevett 18. Scott Andrews 19. Macauley Cook 20. Luke Hamilton 21 Gareth Davies 22. Ceri Sweeney 23. Owen Williams
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