Contracts and Transfers '07

Transfer News
By Andrew Collins
January 16 2007

After once again being KO'd from the Heineken Cup, Dai Young looks to strengthen his Cardiff Blues squad.

It's that time of year once more, where a freind of a freind reckons we're after so-and-so, while a hooded man down the pub told me that a certain someone has been seen talking to a mr someone else!

Transfer rumours, we love 'em!

So here's the latest on the Blues comings and goings for 2007.

• Firstly, Gareth Thomas has signed for the region for next seasons campaign. After a successful spell with cardiff RFC, the winger cum cntre cum full back moved on to Bridgend and the Warriors before enjoying 3 marvellous years at Tolouse, where he won the Heineken Cup. In that time, he led Wales as captain to a Grand Slam in 2005, and took over the British Lion's Test captaincy after an injury to Brain O'Driscoll. Nothing has yet been confirmed by the Blues, but possibly in a slip-up by Peter Thomas, he was recently quoted saying he was looking forward to seeing 'Alfie' back in Blue next year.
• Another Kiwi looks set to join up with Xavier Rush and Ben Blair, and following Jonah Lomu of course, at the Arms Park, as lock Paul Tito has susospedly put pen to paper on a 3-year deal. The feiery ginegr haired second row will add a bit of grit and nastyness to the tachical Rob Sidoli and Deiniol Jones, and will bring on youngsters James Goode and Bradley Davies. 27 year old Tito should join in October, pending an earlier release by his club, The Hurricanes.
• Nick Robinson could be about to join Guinness Premiership side Bath, if reports are to be believed. Robinson's contract is up in the summer, and its thought he has become dissillusioned at being stripped of kicking duites. Meanwhile, his brother Jamie has verbally agreed a new deal in the Welsh capital, though he has attracted interest from The Ospreys, Scarlets and a host of English sides.
• Taking Nicky's place however is Ceri Sweeny. The former Ponty and Warriors fly half is out of contract at the Dragons, and has yet to resign. He's recently said he was unhappy at the lack of ambition shown by the region, while head coach Pual Turner has admitted he is unsure on ceri's future. Today, he told BBC Sport that Colin Charvis and Ian Gough will sign new deals, despite pressure from the Ospreys for the latter.
• Going back to Tito's arrival, unfortunately it signals an early end to the impressive Ed Fairhurst. As he is a forgein player, the Blues need to stick to their quota, and it would appear Fairhurst is the man to miss out. However, with the Canadian leaving, Baths Andy Williams looks like he may return to Wales after a spell with The Ospreys. The deal is likely to see Robinson go the other way.
• Finally prop Chris Horseman is a reported target for Dai Young. Horseman is currently plying his trade with Worcester, but is thought to want to move to Wales, to better his chances of being successful internationally.

For the lastest news keep checking back. A shorter round-up can be found on the left hand side of the home page as a feature story, titled Transfers.

That story can also be found at the bottom of this page.