Recruitment Drive Continues

By Andrew Collins
June 16 2005

The Blues have stepped up their recruitment drive this summer, and have now comfirmed their 3rd signing before next season. Blues fans have had nothing but good news since the Viadana win, with Xavier Rush confirmed, a good Welsh tour for the Blues, and our Lions thrilling in New Zealand.

Marc Stcherbina has signed for the Blues in what many fans will see as finally good cover for centre. Last season, Cardiff were forced into playing Sean James and Rhys Williams in the centre position due to a lack of options. Our lack of cover came at the end of the 03/04 season, when Matt Allan and Pietre Muller left the Arms Park, and also Jamie Robinson's season-long injury crisis, we were also hit with long-term injuries to Tristan Davies and Tom Shanklin was away on international duty a lot this season.

So Marc Stcherbina will finally provide stability and competition for Jamie and Tom, though he is hungry to start every match for the Blues. His transfer comes as Northampton are only alowed to play one non-EU player, with one on the bench, and with New Zealnader Carlos Spencer joining the Saints, Stcherbina left saying he wanted 1st team rugby.

Coach Dai Young, who has been busy in the transfer market said,

"We have had to fight off stiff competition from a number of other clubs to capture his signature."

Australian Stcherbina is yet another foreigner being brought to Wales following Rush and the Scarlets 5 players. But Dai is confident that Marc is no journeyman like Tuilangi of last season,

"Marc is an excellent acquisition for us, one of the best and most consistent performers in the Zurich Premiership last season."

The 28-year-old joins the Blues as they appear to be on the up. A new training base, a better squad and realistic European chances have all been comfirmed in the last few months, and this transfer does nothing but inflate fans mood.

Robert Nortser has this to say about Marc's transfer,

"He is an ideal addition to our regional team, bringing as he does such experience and guile that will enhance the growing quality and strength of the squad. We look forward to welcoming Marc to the Arms Park as a proven and consistent performer at the highest level."

Previously with Biarittz, he knows the Arms Park quite well having visited twice, most recntly losing in 03/04 season. He also brings a wealth of European experience with him, and like Rush is a very professional player.

Marc takes the total number of transfers up to 3, but more are expected with the amount of players who left the squad this year. It is believed a lot of the new players will come from Priemier side cardiff RFC, Czekaj earning himself a new contract with the Blues, with others such as James Goode expected to follow.