Rees and Yapp Leave Plus Other Transfer News

Ritchie Rees used Twitter to confirm his departure from the Blues this week. The news comes only a few days after it was reported that John Yapp would also be leaving at the end of the season.

Cardiff Blues squad overhaul continues, with the news that Welsh Internationals Richie Rees and John Yapp will leave the region.

The pair have been a constant in the Blues squad for many years now, with Rees in particular a main ingredient to all the success the region have enjoyed in the past few seasons.

Having arrived from London Irish as Jason Spice’s understudy, Rees more than took his opportunity with the Blues. When the Kiwi scrum half departed the Twickenham pitch minutes into the EDF Anglo-Welsh final, things looked worrying for the Welsh side. However Rees inspired what can only be described as the perfect performance that day, as the Blues delighted crowds with a 50-12 victory.

A week later he played he was at the Millennium Stadium in yet another astounding match, when the Blues famously lost on a penalty shoot out in the Heineken Cup Semi-Final. He became the Blues first choice scrum half as the region were crowned the first, and still only, Welsh side to ever lift a European trophy.

For a brief period, he was perhaps Wales’ best 9, with his finest hour in a Welsh jersey coming in the incredible 10 minute fight-back against Scotland having come on as a late sub for Mike Phillips.

However the past year has been a bad one for the 27 year old. Following a very harsh ban for a dubious ‘gouging’ citing, he was unceremoniously dropped from the Welsh squad weeks before last years Rugby World Cup. Having lost his place to Blues partner Lloyd Williams, he was, more recently, overlooked when Williams was a late withdrawal against Italy, instead Osprey’s Rhys Webb got the call.

He broke the news via twitter saying,

“I’ve decided to leave the Blues next season. Thanks to all who have supported me in my time here but an exciting challenge lies ahead.”

The Blues quickly moved with an official announcement later that day.

Meanwhile, John Yapp has apparently signed with RaboDirect rivals Edinburgh ahead of next season. The prop was brought through the Blues ranks having made his debut as an 18 year old. 

theArmsPark.co.uk would like to thank both players for their exceptional commitment during their time with Cardiff and the Blues, and wish them both all the best with their furture careers (except when they play us!). Cheers fellas!

The takes the list of confirmed departures to: Casey Laulala, Gethin Jenkins, Dan Parks, Rhys Thomas, Richie Rees, Martyn Williams (openly not been offered a new deal).

There could be more yet to follow, with the futures of other players unclear. The likes of Tito, Filise, Henson, Sweeney, Ben Blair, Maama Molitika and Deiniol Jones could all yet see the exit door.

However, there has been some news to cheer Cardiff fans, with the official signing of Jason Tovey, the expected arrival of 24 year old second row Lou Reed and the re-singing of Wales’ newest hero Alex Cuthbert.

It also appears that Rotherham’s Irish flanker Robin Copeland has landed a deal with the Cardiff region. He would be a like-for-like replacement for retiring flanker Maama Molitika.