Cardiff Blues

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Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues.svg
Union Welsh Rugby Union
Nickname(s) Blues
Founded 2003; 21 years ago (2003)
Location Cardiff, Wales
Ground(s) Cardiff Arms Park (Capacity: 12,125)
Chairman Peter Thomas
Coach(es) Danny Wilson
Captain(s) Gethin Jenkins
Most caps Taufa'ao Filise (191)
Top scorer Ben Blair (1,029)
Most tries Tom James (31)
League(s) Pro12
2014–15 10th
1st kit
2nd kit
3rd kit
Official website
www.cardiffblues.com

Cardiff Blues (Welsh: Gleision Caerdydd) is one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team play at Cardiff Arms Park and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club.

Cardiff Blues is responsible for developing rugby union in the city of Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and south Powys.[1] There are 75 associate clubs within this wider Cardiff Blues region including semi professional Pontypridd RFC and the Cardiff RFC Welsh Premiership side.[2]

The Cardiff Blues compete in the Pro12 league, which includes teams from the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as Italy. In addition, Cardiff Blues compete in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and (for the 2014/15 season) the European Rugby Challenge Cup. They previously won the 2008-09 Anglo-Welsh Cup and the 2009–10 European Challenge Cup.

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History

Formation

Until the beginning of the 2003–04 season, Welsh rugby was organised in a league pyramid, at the top of which were 9 professional clubs. The system was similar to the English Premiership and French Top 14 club systems. However, by the 2002–03 season it was clear for financial reasons that Wales could not support nine professional teams.[3]

In a process instigated by the then CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), David Moffett, the nine clubs[4] began the Introduction of regional rugby union teams in Wales.

An agreement was reached whereby Cardiff RFC would be allowed to form a "standalone" club, meaning that they would not have to amalgamate with any of the other 8 professional clubs.[5] As a result, Cardiff RFC was rebranded as the Cardiff Blues and a launch event took place at the Cardiff Hilton on 6 June 2003.

2003–04

On the field

Cardiff Blues, missing Rhys Williams, Tom Shanklin, Iestyn Harris and Martyn Williams to Wales's World Cup squad for the start of the season, lost their first three matches, including friendlies against Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints and a Celtic League game against Glasgow. By the end of 2003, they had lost 12 matches and only won three (against Connacht, Leinster and Ospreys), all the wins coming at home. Increasingly, there were calls for head coach Dai Young to step down.[6]

The 43–6 win over Ospreys was notable for the performance of fireman Lee Abdul.[7] The semi-professional had been brought into the squad as cover during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and scored a record four tries from the wing. Unfortunately for Abdul, he suffered a serious injury in the next home game against the Newport Gwent Dragons.[citation needed]

In January the Cardiff Blues recorded Heineken Cup victories over English club Sale and French side Biarritz Olympique. The temporary signing of former Australian international Matt Cockbain seemed to revitalise the side,[8] and his brief stay coincided with a six match unbeaten run which lasted until a dour 0–6 loss to the Llanelli Scarlets in March. Cardiff Blues finished the season as the lowest ranked Welsh club in the Celtic League having only managed one win against another Welsh side. They were however the highest try scorers in the league, scoring 73 tries.[9]

Off the field

The Blues, who played their home games at the 13,500 capacity Cardiff Arms Park, managed an average attendance of 4,518 for their homes games in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup during the season, far below the target set by David Moffett at 8,000.[10] The highest attendance of the season was 7,000 for the Celtic League 0-6 defeat to the Scarlets in March, while the joint lowest were 3,500 each for the games against Leinster and Connacht in October.

2004–05

On the field

Cardiff Blues finished the Celtic League 9th place, and recorded only one win in the Heineken Cup. Calls for Head Coach Dai Young to be removed intensified between November and January when the team went eight games without recording a victory. Following the 15–38 loss to Stade Français the players were booed from the field by their own supporters.[11]

Finishing in a low position in the league meant that in order to qualify for the Heineken Cup, Cardiff Blues had to compete in a play-off game against the third place Italian side Arix Viadana. Cardiff Blues won this game 38–9, thus qualifying for the Heineken Cup through what the media described as the cat flap.[12] This was only the second away win of the season, and the governing body made plans to ensure that performance on the field would dramatically improve the following season.[13]

Off the field

As Pontypridd was brought under the Blues umbrella following the demise of the Celtic Warriors (although all games were still hosted at the Arms Park and there were no changes to region's club kit or badge) attendances for home Celtic League and Heineken Cup games rose to an average of 5,218 for the 2004/05 season. The lowest crowd was 2,799 for Glasgow's League visit in November, still the lowest crowd ever for the Cardiff Blues in a League or European match, while the highest was 10,186 for Gloucester's Heineken Cup visit in December.

2005–06

On the field

In the summer of 2005 funds were finally made available to sign new players allowing Dai Young to start rebuild the side. Former New Zealand No.8 Xavier Rush was among several new signings who gave the squad a much stronger look on paper. Also, a new custom-built training headquarters was established at Hensol in the outskirts of Cardiff. Previously the team had been training on public fields and in public gyms.

There was further reason for optimism when the Heineken Cup draw was announced. Cardiff Blues were matched with Italian minnows Calvisano, notoriously poor travellers USA Perpignan and the Leeds Tykes. Many believed that Cardiff Blues had a golden opportunity of finally making the Heineken Cup quarter finals.[14]

Results did not improve immediately, with the 37–20 win over Saracens in October 2005 the highlight to a disappointing start to the season. However, in the prematch announcement it was confirmed that rugby legend Jonah Lomu had agreed to join Cardiff Blues on a temporary basis as he tried to rebuild his career in time for the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Lomu was recovering from a kidney transplant,[15] but the signing gave notice of the team's renewed ambition. His home debut versus Calvisano was greeted by a capacity crowd and the signing was regarded as a marketing masterstroke.[16] Results improved with wins over the Ospreys and the Newport Gwent Dragons in December.

In January 2006 the Cardiff Blues were knocked out of the Heineken Cup after losing 3–21 at home to Perpignan and then losing 3–48 to the relegation threatened Leeds Tykes. This formed part of a 5 match losing run, coinciding with the loss through injury of outside half Nicky Robinson. The poor run prompted the management to issue "final warnings" to under performing players.[17] As had been the case in the two previous seasons, results improved in the latter months of the season, and in May, the Celtic League attendance record was broken when 15,327 watched Cardiff Blues beat Leinster 40–31 at the Millennium Stadium. The Cardiff Blues finished the league in 4th; the highest placed Welsh team.

Off the field

The signing of Jonah Lomu helped attendances rise to an average of 8,173 in Celtic League and Heineken Cup home games. The smallest attendance was 4,508 for the Celtic League games against Glasgow in March, while the highest was the Celtic League record crowd of 15,327 against Leinster at the Millennium Stadium.

2006–07

On the field

Lua error in Module:Details at line 30: attempt to call field '_formatLink' (a nil value). More signings, including former New Zealand fullback Ben Blair, further enhanced the quality of the Cardiff Blues squad for the 2006–07 season. Several young players from the regional academy also became established players, including Chris Czekaj and Duane Goodfield. The emergence of other highly tipped young players (notably Bradley Davies[18] and Tom James[19]) encouraged the belief that Cardiff Blues could soon start challenging for major honours.[20] London Wasps, Saracens and London Irish were all defeated in the Anglo-Welsh Cup group stages; however the Ospreys defeated the Cardiff Blues 27–10 in the semi final at the Millennium Stadium on 24 March 2007.

In the Heineken Cup, Cardiff Blues recorded their first win in France, beating Bourgoin 13–5. For their next game, the Cardiff Blues again played at the Millennium Stadium. This time hosting Leicester Tigers, they attracted their highest ever Heineken Cup crowd, with 26,309 spectators attending the game, although they lost the game by 17 points to 21 after being down to 14 men for a long period of the game. Cardiff Blues were finally knocked out of the Heineken Cup after successive losses to the champions, Munster, despite respectable performances (particularly at Munster's Thomond Park).

Cardiff Blues fared better in the domestic league, finishing second after having beaten Leinster at home to go top of the league, only for the Ospreys to win at Borders the next day to claim the title.

Off the field

The average attendances in the League and in Europe rose again for the Blues, this time to 9,413. The lowest attendance was 4,309 for a Magners League match against Connacht in November, while the highest was 26,645 at the Millennium Stadium for the visit of Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Cup.

2007–08

Signings

Further additions to the Cardiff Blues squad over the summer include Gareth Thomas, Paul Tito and Jason Spice, who was brought in to replace Mike Philips who signed to the Ospreys for a reported £180,000 a year.[21]

Celtic League

Lua error in Module:Details at line 30: attempt to call field '_formatLink' (a nil value). The Cardiff Blues won their first two games of the season, beating the Ospreys at home in the opening match and extending their unbeaten home record to sixteen games,[22] and recording an away win at Newport Gwent Dragons the following week to top the table. The Cardiff Blues extended their unbeaten home record to seventeen games the following week with a home victory against Glasgow,[23] but subsequently lost their next home game against Leinster conceding two interception tries.[24]

The Cardiff Blues responded to the defeat against Leinster with an away victory over Munster, only the second time in the history of the Celtic League that the Cardiff Blues maintained their position at the top of the league.[25] The following week saw a 30–16 home victory against Connacht, with Gareth Thomas making his first appearance in Cardiff Blues colours, coming on off the bench after 50 minutes to replace wing Rhys Williams.[26] The Cardiff Blues once again finished 2nd in the Celtic League.

Anglo-Welsh Cup

Lua error in Module:Details at line 30: attempt to call field '_formatLink' (a nil value). The Anglo-Welsh Cup started well for the Cardiff Blues with a 32–15 bonus point win at home over Sale. Cardiff scoring four tries in the first 30 minutes with Gareth Thomas getting two of these on his first start for the Cardiff Blues.[27] In the second week of the Anglo-Welsh Cup the Cardiff Blues lost 42–20 against Leicester Tigers, effectively knocking them out of the competition. In the final pool game of the competition the Cardiff Blues ended Bath RFCs twelve-month unbeaten home record, winning 6–14 at the Recreation Ground. This win however was insufficient, with Leicester progressing to the semi-finals as a result of having gained a bonus point in every pool match.

Heineken Cup

Lua error in Module:Details at line 30: attempt to call field '_formatLink' (a nil value). The Cardiff Blues began their Heineken Cup campaign with a bonus point 34–18 home win over Bristol, and followed this with a 13–13 away draw at Harlequins. In December, the Cardiff Blues secured a losing bonus point in their 12–6 loss against Stade Français in Paris, and subsequently won the return fixture 31–21 the following week. A 23–12 home win over Harlequins followed by a 17–0 away win at Bristol secured qualification to the quarter-final stages as the fifth seed. The Cardiff Blues subsequently lost their away quarter-final 41–17 against Toulouse on 6 April.

Off the field

Blues crowds fell slightly in 2007/08 to a still-respectable average of 8,877 in the League and in Europe. Their smallest crowd was in September with 5,425 against Glasgow. The biggest was 12,532 for the Boxing Day derby against the Dragons.

2008–09

Signings

Very low key signings made in the summer; Ceri Sweeney, Aled Brew and Richard Mustoe. After a clear out of mostly squad players that saw seven players leave; Marc Stcherbina, Robert Sidoli, Nick Macleod, James Goode, Duane Goodfield, Tom Riley and Rhys Shellard.

Subsequently, Aled Brew has been loaned to Newport Gwent Dragons.

Celtic League

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Main article: 2008-09 Celtic League

The Cardiff Blues finished 6th in the Celtic League, winning 8 games but losing 9. This was mainly due to their focus on the Heineken cup and the Anglo-Welsh cup.

Anglo-Welsh Cup

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Main article: 2008-09 EDF Energy Cup

Cardiff Blues were the only unbeaten team in the competition, winning their group, and beating Northampton 11–5 in the semi-final. The Cardiff Blues went on to win the final at Twickenham, 50–12 against Gloucester.

Heineken Cup

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Main article: 2008-09 Heineken Cup

The Cardiff Blues began their Heineken Cup campaign with a 20–56 bonus point victory away to Calvisano.[28] This was followed by a bonus point 37–24 win against Gloucester at the Millennium Stadium. A crowd of 27,114 set a new record for a Heineken Cup pool stage game for the Welsh region.[29][30] The Cardiff Blues then claimed back-to-back victories over Biarritz in December, winning 21–17 at home followed by a 6–10 victory away.[31][32]

Following the Christmas break, the Cardiff Blues recorded an away 12–16 victory over Gloucester despite being reduced to 14 men after Tom James was sent-off for a head butt on Gloucester hooker Olivier Azam.[33] The final round of pool games saw the Cardiff Blues face Calvisano at home. A bonus point 62–20 win ensured that the Cardiff Blues remained the only unbeaten team in the pool stages of the 2008–09 Heineken Cup with the Cardiff Blues claiming the top seed and a home quarter-final.[34]

The quarter-final against eighth seed and three-times Heineken Cup winners Toulouse was played in the Millennium Stadium with another record attendance of 36,778. The Cardiff Blues claimed a 9–6 victory in a defence dominated game.[35] The semi-final against Leicester Tigers was also hosted at the Millennium Stadium. Despite being 12–26 down with six minutes remaining, the Cardiff Blues mounted a comeback tie the scores at 26–26 after 80 minutes and force extra time. With no further score in the 20 minutes of extra time, the game was forced into an historic penalty kick decider. The Cardiff Blues were defeated 7–6 following missed kicks by Tom James and Martyn Williams.[36]

Off the field

2008/09 was the most successful year in the Blues history in terms of attendances, with an average crowd of 12,639 (the crowd of 44,212 for the 'neutral' Heineken Cup semi-final played at the Millennium Stadium is not included in that figure). The lowest attendance was 6,608 for the rearranged Magners League fixture against the Dragons in May, while the highest was the biggest crowd in the Blues history, 36,728 for the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulouse at the Millennium Stadium in May. Following this season, the Cardiff Blues decided to move from the Arms Park to the Cardiff City Stadium

2009–10

Signings

With the loss of Nicky Robinson, Jamie Robinson, Jason Spice and Ross Johnson; the Cardiff Blues signed Sam Norton-Knight from the New South Wales Waratahs, Gareth Cooper from Gloucester and Gavin Evans from Scarlets, as well as Casey Laulala from the Canterbury Crusaders who arrived in the November.

Season

In the Celtic League, the Cardiff Blues finished fifth in the table, one point out of the playoffs; but secured a place in the 2010–11 Heineken Cup as the second-placed Welsh team. Their Heineken Cup campaign ended after the pool stage, in which they finished second to Toulouse and were not one of the two top second-place teams. However, this season was the first in which three second-place teams from the Heineken Cup parachuted into the European Challenge Cup, and the Cardiff Blues were one of three teams to qualify. They crushed Newcastle Falcons 55–20 in the quarterfinals and edged London Wasps 18–15, both on the road, to reach the final of the competition. The Cardiff Blues became the first Welsh side to win a European trophy after beating Toulon 28–21 in the final on 23 May at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.[37]

Off the field

The Blues had another five-figure average attendance in 2009/10, this time 10,708. Their smallest crowd was 7,105 (bigger than any of their attendances in their first season) against Connacht in December. Their highest was 16,341 for the October derby against the Ospreys.

In money terms, the Blues had a turnover of £8.7m and a total employment bill of £5.6m, with other costs including rental of the new stadium leading them to make a loss of £651,156.

2010–11

Signings

With the unsuccessful Sam Norton-Knight signing for the Sanyo Wild Knights after not making the grade at outside half, the Blues signed Dan Parks of Glasgow Warriors and a Scottish International. He is the current record points scorer in the Celtic League.

The Cardiff Blues also re-signed Xavier Rush. After declaring his move to Ulster earlier in the season, Rush because of a change in personal matters wanted to stay at the Blues. Although he had signed a contract with Ulster, he managed to negotiate a release from this to continue his career with the Blues.

Another Kiwi was signed by Cardiff in the summer, Michael Paterson from the Super 14 side the Hurricanes, where he played either in the second row or on the blindside. Press reports in New Zealand at the time of the signing indicated that he was on the fringes of the All-Black squad.

Cardiff Blues also signed three English based Welshmen – two from Doncaster Knights, Bryn Griffiths (second row) and Tom Davies (prop) and one from London Welsh, Tom Brown (No.8).

Cardiff Blues released Andy Powell after he "lost his way" after the golf buggy incident whilst on international duty with Wales. Cardiff Blues have also released a number of squad players in the summer including Robin Sowden-Taylor (Dragons), Scott Morgan (Dragons) and Dai Flanagan (Ospreys).

Season

Cardiff Blues were runners up in their Heineken Cup pool but with not enough points to progress in either the Heineken or the Amlin Cups. In the Pro 12 they slipped to 6th place, missing out on a play off spot.

Off the field

Attendances fell for the second season in a row at the Cardiff City Stadium, this time to an average of 9,810. The lowest crowd was 3,760 in November against Glasgow, and the highest was 22,160 (a record for the Blues in the Magners League) for the New Year's Eve fixture against the Ospreys.

Lower attendances and a failure to progress in either the Heineken Cup or Magners League meant turnover fell to £7.4m, while added player and coaching costs led to the total employment bill rising £6.7m.

2011–12

Signings

Minimal changes were made to the squad, with no signings being made. However, Gavin Henson joined midseason on a short term contract. Off the field, David Young left for London Wasps, with a caretaker coaching team managing the team for the duration of the season. Mid season, long serving Chief Executive Robert Norster also left, to be replaced by Richard Holland.

Season

Despite some success in the Heineken Cup, beating Racing Metro and achieving a quarter final place, this was a season in which Cardiff Blues managed only 10 league wins. The season was marked by increased awareness of the impact financial pressures were having on the team since the move to Cardiff City Stadium.[38] Attendances declined further and supporters expressed their dissatisfaction.[39] Two fixtures were moved back to Cardiff Arms Park with some success.[40]

Off the field

Attendances nosedived this season to an average of 7,510, the lowest since 2004/05. The highest was a mere 10,660 for the visit of the Dragons in December, the smallest crowd was 3,580 for the final home games of the season, where the Blues said goodbye to a number of players including Martyn Williams, who had played for the Blues since their inception. The Blues then decided to move back to their traditional home at the Arms Park.

The region lost £3.83m in the season (including a £1m agreement with Cardiff City F.C to end their rental agreement at the Cardiff City Stadium).

2012-13

Signings

A host of players including Welsh internationals Gethin Jenkins, T Rhys Thomas, John Yapp, Richie Rees as well as former All Blacks Casey Laulala and Ben Blair joined other clubs. Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush, Paul Tito, Maa'ma Molitika and Deiniol Jones all retired. Jason Tovey arrived to replace Dan Parks. Lou Reed and Robin Copeland were added to the pack. Overseas front rowers Benoit Bourrust, Campese Maa'fu and Andy Kyriacou were also added.

Season

Under new Director of Rugby Phil Davies, Cardiff Blues managed only 8 wins in the Pro12 and 1 in the Heineken Cup. They scored a mere 28 tries in the Pro12, the lowest in the league. The season was also marked by concern over the Arms Park playing surface.

2013-14

Signings

More experienced players left including Jamie Roberts, Michael Paterson, Tom James and Ceri Sweeney. Jason Tovey returned to Newport Gwent Dragons after one season. Former player Gethin Jenkins returned from Toulon and British Lions hooker Matthew Rees also joined.

Season

Over the summer, money was invested in a new artificial playing surface at the Arms Park. After a home loss to Italian club Zebre and a heavy defeat in the Heineken Cup to Exeter, Phil Davies's came under severe scrutiny. However a victory over Heineken Cup champions Toulon followed by back to back wins over Glasgow eased pressure on the Director of Rugby. A series of league defeats once more increased pressure on Davies who finally resigned. The remaining six matches of the season saw caretaker coaches Paul John and Dale McIntosh take the team on a four match unbeaten run which belatedly improved the team's league position.

2014-15

Signings

Jarrad Hoeata and Gareth Anscombe signed from New Zealand, Italian international Manoa Vosawai and Welsh internationals Tavis Knoyle, Josh Turnbull, Craig Mitchell and Adam Jones have been confirmed. Other confirmed arrivals are Bristol wing George Watkins and Wales Sevens skipper Adam Thomas.

Confirmed departures include Leigh Halfpenny, Harry Robinson, Chris Czekaj, Bradley Davies, Robin Copeland and Andries Pretorius.

Colours

On their inception, the Cardiff Blues kit corresponded with the traditional Cardiff RFC colours of Cambridge blue and black. The kit for the subsequent season was a variation of these colours with white being used as an alternative strip in the case of a colour clash with the opposition.

In 2006, Cardiff Blues changed their playing strip in a decision widely interpreted as a move away from the old Cardiff RFC identity, as for the first time black was not included alongside the blue.[41]

Kit suppliers

In their first ever season in 2003-04, Fila supplied their kits. Since the 2004-05 season, Canterbury of New Zealand have supplied their kits.

Identity controversy

At the event launching the Cardiff Blues brand in June 2003, the Chief Executive, Robert Norster said, "A huge amount of effort has been made to ensure that the past 127 years of club traditions are not lost. We are delighted by the way these aspects have been respected and retained within the new modern brand." This close association with Cardiff RFC has led to feelings of resentment from members and supporters of other rugby clubs, notably Pontypridd.[42]

There were repeated calls for Cardiff Blues to drop the "Cardiff" part of their name in order to sever links with the old Cardiff RFC identity and to move away from the traditional light blue kit worn by CRFC.[43][44] Proponents of this idea point to the Super Rugby tournament where teams such as the Bulls and Crusaders play with no geographic locator in their name.[45] These calls intensified when the Celtic Warriors regional team was dissolved in 2004, bringing old rivals Pontypridd within the catchment area of the Cardiff Blues region. However, there was significant opposition to any such move within the ranks of the club, given that the Cardiff club had won standalone status at a cost of £1,000,000 when the rebranding took place in 2003 (No other club or company have been involved with Cardiff RFC Ltd).[46]

Regional responsibilities

A map showing the Welsh rugby regions.

Cardiff Blues are responsible for assisting the development of rugby in an area covering the City of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, the eastern Glamorgan valleys and Breconshire.

Initially, the Cardiff Blues' region covered only the City of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. However, this was expanded upon the demise of the Celtic Warriors region after one season. Cardiff RFC Ltd employ development officers who work with schools and clubs across the region and run a rugby academy for elite players aged 16 and above.

Home ground

From their inception in 2003 the Cardiff Blues played home games at the Cardiff Arms Park, with some high profile fixtures played at the neighbouring Millennium Stadium, such as the 2008–09 Heineken Cup semi-final versus Leicester Tigers.

From the beginning of the 2009–10 season Cardiff Blues moved to the new Cardiff City Stadium at Leckwith, with the first home game a friendly against Leicester which they lost 5–14, the attendance was 16,000.[47] For use of Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff Blues were paying £350,000 a year in rent to Cardiff City and a similar figure in service charges, as well as covering other match day costs. These costs were later described as unsustainable.[48]

Financial pressures and supporter dissatisfaction led to several home games being moved to the Arms Park in the 2011-12 season. The games against Connacht on 10 February 2012 and Ulster on 17 February 2012 achieved capacity crowds and proved popular with supporters.[49]

On 8 May 2012 it was announced that the 20-year lease between Cardiff City F.C. and the Blues had been broken by mutual consent. From the 2012-13 season the Blues have returned to playing home matches at the Arms Park.

Current standings

2015–16 Pro12 watch · edit · discuss
Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Diff Tries For Tries Against Try Bonus Losing Bonus Points
1 Ireland Leinster (RU) 22 16 0 6 458 290 +168 51 27 6 3 73
2 Ireland Connacht (CH) 22 15 0 7 507 406 +101 60 46 8 5 73
3 Scotland Glasgow Warriors (SF) 22 14 1 7 557 380 +177 68 37 8 6 72
4 Ireland Ulster (SF) 22 14 0 8 488 307 +181 61 29 8 5 69
5 Wales Scarlets 22 14 0 8 477 458 +19 45 54 2 5 63
6 Ireland Munster 22 13 0 9 459 417 +42 56 36 6 5 63
7 Wales Cardiff Blues 22 11 0 11 542 461 +81 62 53 5 7 56
8 Wales Ospreys 22 11 1 10 490 455 +35 55 49 6 3 55
9 Scotland Edinburgh 22 11 0 11 405 366 +39 41 36 2 8 54
10 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 22 4 0 18 353 492 −139 33 57 0 10 26
11 Italy Zebre 22 5 0 17 308 718 −410 35 99 3 1 24
12 Italy Benetton Treviso 22 3 0 19 320 614 −294 35 79 0 8 20
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[50]
  1. number of matches won;
  2. the difference between points for and points against;
  3. the number of tries scored;
  4. the most points scored;
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  6. the fewest number of red cards received;
  7. the fewest number of yellow cards received.

Green background (rows 1 to 4) were play-off places, and earned places in the 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup.
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earned places in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
To facilitate the 2015 Rugby World Cup, there were no play-offs for the 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup; the 20th place went to the winner of the 2015–16 European Rugby Challenge Cup if not already qualified. Because Challenge Cup winner Montpellier qualified via the Top 14, its place passed to the top team from that league not already qualified.
Plain background indicates teams that earned a place in the 2016–17 European Rugby Challenge Cup.

Management

The Cardiff Blues had been coached by Dai Young since 2003, until the summer of 2011 when he moved to London Wasps. Over this extended period his various assistants included Richard Webster, Geraint John, Rob Howley, Dan Baugh and Bill Millard.

Upon Young's move to Wasps, Young's former assistants, Wales Sevens assistant coach Gareth Baber and former Blues Academy Director Justin Burnell were made joint caretaker coaches for the 2011-2012 season.

Former Scarlets and Worcester Warriors Coach Phil Davies was made Director of Rugby for the following season. Xavier Rush joined as Defence coach in July 2012 after retiring from playing due to injury.[51] Gareth Baber was retained as backs coach whilst Burnell made his exit.

Rush left the Arms Park after the 2012-13 season and former London Broncos head coach Rob Powell took over as defence coach. After a heavy defeat to Exeter in the Heineken Cup, Powell was replaced by former Pontypridd RFC and Blues academy coach Dale McIntosh.

Baber also left his role mid way through the 2013-14 season and was replaced by former Wales Sevens coach Paul John.

On 3 March following a poor run of results, Phil Davies resigned 6 matches before the end of the season. His assistants McIntosh and John were named caretaker coaches for the remainder of the 2013-14 season.

On 18 May 2014, former All Black Hooker, Mark Hammett was named as the new Director of Rugby, taking over from Phil Davies. Caretaker coaches McIntosh and John, will remain part of the coaching team.[52]

On 11 June, former Wales U20's head coach Danny Wilson was appointed new head coach.[53]

Current squad

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For player movements leading up to the 2016–17 season, see List of 2016–17 Pro12 transfers § Cardiff Blues.
  • * Denotes a player who is Welsh qualified.
  • ‡ Denotes a player who is on a WRU 'National Dual Contract'.

2015-16 Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.

Player Position Union
Liam Belcher Hooker Wales Wales
Kristian Dacey Hooker Wales Wales
Ethan Lewis Hooker Wales Wales
Rhys Williams Hooker Wales Wales
Scott Andrews Prop Wales Wales
Tom Davies Prop Wales Wales
Taufa'ao Filise Prop Tonga Tonga
Sam Hobbs Prop Wales Wales
Gethin Jenkins (c) Prop Wales Wales
Joe Jones Prop Wales Wales
Callum Lewis Prop Wales Wales
Dillon Lewis Prop Wales Wales
Salesi Ma'afu Prop Australia Australia
Craig Mitchell Prop Wales Wales
Bradley Thyer Prop Wales Wales
Seb Davies Lock Wales Wales
Chris Dicomidis Lock Cyprus Cyprus
James Down Lock Wales Wales
Jarrad Hoeata Lock New Zealand New Zealand
Miles Normandale* Lock England England
Lou Reed Lock Wales Wales
Macauley Cook Flanker Wales Wales
Jevon Groves Flanker Wales Wales
Ellis Jenkins Flanker Wales Wales
Josh Navidi Flanker Wales Wales
Ben Roach Flanker Wales Wales
James Sheekey Flanker Wales Wales
Josh Turnbull Flanker Wales Wales
Jordan Viggers Flanker Wales Wales
Sam Warburton ‡ Flanker Wales Wales
Cam Dolan Number 8 United States United States
Manoa Vosawai Number 8 Italy Italy
Player Position Union
Michael Hale Scrum-half Wales Wales
Lewis Jones Scrum-half Wales Wales
Tavis Knoyle Scrum-half Wales Wales
Lloyd Williams Scrum-half Wales Wales
Tomos Williams Scrum-half Wales Wales
Gareth Anscombe ‡ Fly-half Wales Wales
Gareth Davies Fly-half Wales Wales
Jarrod Evans Fly-half Wales Wales
Rhys Patchell Fly-half Wales Wales
Cory Allen Centre Wales Wales
Gavin Evans Centre Wales Wales
Tom Isaacs Centre Wales Wales
Rey Lee-Lo Centre Samoa Samoa
Garyn Smith Centre Wales Wales
Richard Smith Centre Wales Wales
Adam Thomas Centre Wales Wales
Elis Wyn Benham Wing Wales Wales
Alex Cuthbert Wing Wales Wales
Tom James Wing Wales Wales
Owen Jenkins Wing Wales Wales
Chris Knight Wing Wales Wales
Blaine Scully Wing United States United States
Harry Davies Fullback Wales Wales
Dan Fish Fullback Wales Wales
Aled Summerhill Fullback Wales Wales
Geraint Walsh Fullback Wales Wales
James Whittingham Fullback Wales Wales
Tom Williams (out on loan) Fullback Wales Wales

British and Irish Lions

The following players have been selected to play for the British and Irish Lions touring squads while playing for the Cardiff Blues.

Player Home Union Tours
Gethin Jenkins Wales Wales 2005, 2009
Tom Shanklin Wales Wales 2005, 2009
Martyn Williams Wales Wales 2005, 2009
Leigh Halfpenny Wales Wales 2009, 2013
Andy Powell Wales Wales 2009
Jamie Roberts Wales Wales 2009, 2013
Sam Warburton Wales Wales 2013
Alex Cuthbert Wales Wales 2013

Notable former players

Players who have won over 20 international caps and have represented Cardiff Blues in the past:

Player Position Home Union
Dan Baugh Flanker Canada Canada
Matt Cockbain Flanker Australia Australia
Ben Evans Prop Wales Wales
Ed Fairhurst Scrum-half Canada Canada
Iestyn Harris Fly-half Wales Wales
Gethin Jenkins Prop Wales Wales
Jonah Lomu Wing New Zealand New Zealand
Pieter Muller Centre South Africa South Africa
Dan Parks Fly-half Scotland Scotland
Craig Quinnell Lock Wales Wales
Kort Schubert Flanker United States United States
Robert Sidoli Lock Wales Wales
T. Rhys Thomas Hooker Wales Wales
Martyn Williams Flanker Wales Wales
John Yapp Prop Wales Wales
Ceri Sweeney Fly-half Wales Wales
Jamie Roberts Centre Wales Wales
Leigh Halfpenny Fullback Wales Wales
Bradley Davies Lock Wales Wales
Sam Warburton Flanker Wales Wales

Head coaches

Name Years
Wales Dai Young 2003-11
Wales Gareth Baber, Justin Burnell (Caretakers) 2011–2012
Wales Phil Davies 2012–2014
Wales Paul John, Dale McIntosh (Caretakers) 2014
New Zealand Mark Hammett 2014–2015
Wales Paul John, Dale McIntosh (Caretakers) 2015
Wales Danny Wilson 2015–

Results and statistics

Celtic League / Pro12

Season Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points Position
2014–15 22 7 1 18 5 35 10th
2013–14 22 8 1 13 7 41 7th
2012–13 22 8 0 14 6 38 9th
2011–12 22 10 0 12 10 50 7th
2010–11 22 13 1 8 6 60 6th
2009–10 18 10 0 8 4 44 5th
2008–09 18 8 1 9 4 38 6th
2007–08 18 12 0 6 8 56 2nd
2006–07 20 13 1 6 9 63 2nd
2005–06 22 11 0 9 11 63 4th[n 1]
2004–05 20 8 1 11 6 40 9th
2003–04 22 11 0 11 10 54 6th
  1. ↑ 11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded 4 points instead.
    Therefore, each team finished the season with 8 more points than the table would seem to warrant.

Celtic Cup

Season Round Match
2003–04 Quarter-final Edinburgh Rugby 33 – 16 Cardiff Blues[54]

Heineken Cup / Rugby Champions Cup

Season Pool Played Win Draw Loss BP Points Place
2013-14 2 6 3 0 3 2 14 2nd
2012-13 6 6 1 0 5 2 6 3rd
2011-12 2 6 5 0 1 1 21 2nd
Quarter-final Leinster 34 – 3 Cardiff Blues
2010-11 1 6 3 0 3 2 14 2nd
2009–10 (HC) 5 6 4 0 2 2 18 2nd
2009–10 (ACC) Quarter-final Newcastle Falcons 20 – 55 Cardiff Blues
Semi-final London Wasps 15 – 18 Cardiff Blues
Final Cardiff Blues 28 – 21 Toulon
2008–09 6 6 6 0 0 3 27 1st
Quarter-final Cardiff Blues 9 – 6 Toulouse
Semi-final Cardiff Blues 26 – 26 (6–7 penalties) Leicester Tigers
2007–08 3 6 4 1 1 2 20 1st
Quarter-final Toulouse 41 – 17 Cardiff Blues
2006–07 4 6 2 0 4 1 9 3rd
2005–06 2 6 3 0 3 3 15 3rd
2004–05 6 6 1 0 5 3 7 4th
2003–04 3 6 2 0 4 3 11 3rd

European Rugby Challenge Cup

Season Pool Played Win Draw Loss BP Points Place
2014–15 1 6 5 0 1 4 24 2nd
Quarter-final Newport Gwent Dragons 25 – 21 Cardiff Blues

Anglo-Welsh Cup

Season Group/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2014–15 Pool 2 2nd 4 3 0 1 1 13
2013–14 Pool 2 3rd 4 2 0 2 2 10
2012–13 Pool 2 3rd 4 2 0 2 1 9
2011–12 Pool 2 3rd 4 1 0 3 1 5
2010–11 Pool 1 3rd 4 0 1 3 0 2
2009–10 Pool 3 1st 4 3 0 1 3 15
Semi-final Cardiff Blues 18 – 29 Gloucester
2008–09 Group B 1st 3 3 0 0 0 12
Semi-final Cardiff Blues 11 – 5 Northampton Saints
Final Cardiff Blues 50 – 12 Gloucester
2007–08 Group B 2nd 3 2 0 1 1 9
2006–07 Group B 1st 3 3 0 0 1 13
Semi-final Cardiff Blues 10 – 27 Ospreys
2005–06 Group B 2nd 3 1 0 2 2 6

ERC Elite Award

In 2004 Cardiff Blues received the ERC Elite Award for having played 50 games in the Heineken Cup. This record began in 1995 when Cardiff RFC recorded an away draw at Bordeaux, and continued following the reorganisation of Welsh rugby in 2003, due to the club standing alone and rebranding as Cardiff Blues. ERC statistics show that the team has played 92 games in Europe as 1st Cardiff RFC then as Cardiff Blues (from the start of 2010/2011 season)[55] while the Cardiff Blues' muddled marketing only includes the period since 2003 - 49 games.[56]

Blues players who have been awarded 50 tournament caps are:[57]

Club honours

See also

References

  1. ↑ Cardiff Blues : Regional Clubs
  2. ↑ http://www.cardiffblues.com/community/regional_clubs_clubs_in_the_blues_region.php
  3. ↑ Welsh Rugby Union : Clubs Overwhelmingly Back Moffett
  4. ↑ (Bridgend RFC; Caerphilly RFC; Cardiff RFC; Ebbw Vale RFC; Llanelli RFC; Neath RFC; Newport RFC; Pontypridd RFC; Swansea RFC)
  5. ↑ Agreement Over Five-club Funding in Wales
  6. ↑ 'Just let us be' – icWales
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Young praise for Blues capture Cockbain – icWales
  9. ↑ Millennium Stadium : Regional Preview: Cardiff Blues
  10. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/special-report-story-welsh-rugby-2024649
  11. ↑ Who will carry the can for weary Blues? – icWales
  12. ↑ Dragons spare Blues blushes – icWales
  13. ↑ 'Time for Blues to deliver' – Peter Thomas – icWales
  14. ↑ Blues dealt a decent hand – icWales
  15. ↑ Lomu's stint with Blues not a conspicuous success – icWales
  16. ↑ The Lomu effect – icWales
  17. ↑ Dai: I never said I'd go – icWales
  18. ↑ The incredible hulk with a big future – icWales
  19. ↑ Another James making a big rugby impact! – icWales
  20. ↑ 'We can look the big boys in the eye' – icWales
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Cardiff Blues : Cardiff Blues 32 Glasgow 16
  24. ↑ Cardiff Blues : Cardiff Blues 19 Leinster 30
  25. ↑ http://www.cardiffblues.co.uk/33_3080.php.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Cardiff Blues : Blues Bonus Win Against Sale
  28. ↑ BBC Sport: Rugby Calvisano 20–56 Cardiff Blues
  29. ↑ BBC Sport: Blues 37–24 Gloucester
  30. ↑ Cardiff Blues: Cardiff Blues 37 Gloucester 24
  31. ↑ BBC Sport: Cardiff Blues 21–17 Biarritz
  32. ↑ BBC Sport: Biarritz 6–10 Cardiff Blues
  33. ↑ BBC Sport: Gloucester 12–16 Blues
  34. ↑ BBC Sport: Cardiff Blues 62–20 Calvisano
  35. ↑ BBC Sport: Cardiff Blues 9–6 Toulouse
  36. ↑ BBC Sport: Cardiff Blues 26–26 Leicester (aet)
  37. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17652086
  39. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-38---13-2032912
  40. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/blues-delighted-arms-park-return-2041836
  41. ↑ Fans see red over new Blues strip – icWales
  42. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  43. ↑ Jones' radical Blues-print for future – icWales
  44. ↑ Blues will not abandon Cardiff – icWales
  45. ↑ Super 14 teams
  46. ↑ Cardiff to stay – icWales
  47. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  48. ↑ url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-report-operating-loss-2028843
  49. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17995008
  50. ↑ Competition Rule 3.5 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  51. ↑ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/cardiffonline/cardiff-rugby/2012/07/11/xavier-rush-relishing-new-coaching-role-at-cardiff-blues-after-injury-ends-playing-career-91466-31372439/
  52. ↑ Mark Hammett named Cardiff Blues director of rugby
  53. ↑ Cardiff Blues confirm Danny Wilson as new head coach
  54. ↑ Did not qualify for the 2003-05 Celtic Cup. The tournament was stopped after the 2004–05 season.
  55. ↑ http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/statistics/team_statistics.php?includeref=859&teamid=14
  56. ↑ http://www.cardiffblues.com/rugby/europe.php
  57. ↑ http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/elite/fifty_tournament_caps.php

External links

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