Names Linked With Blues

Transfer News
By Andrew Collins
July 7 2005

Names are being thrown about for who Dai Young and the Blues are targeting while, as reported earlier this week, they are in South Africa. As ArmsPark.tk announced, Dai Young is back in South Africa on a talent search for players who will ignite the regions Celtic and European campaign.

Waicato Cheifs' captain, Jonno Gibbs is one of the names being linked with the Blues, following Dai Young's trip to South Africa. The New Zealnader who plays at 4 or 6 is out of contract at the Cheifs and is expected to follow suit and travel to the Northern Hemisphere to finish his rugby career. He is known for his great aerial skills at lineout time as well as his leadership on and off the field. The 29-year old is thought to have had talks with Peter Thomas while he is over in New Zealand following the Lions tour.

Another name being heavily linked with the club is also a second/back row, Australia's A J Venter. The 31 year-old is surplus to requirments now having made just 8 appearences with the Sharks in this years NCP. Venter, who recieved his first international cap here in Wales is likely to listen to team mates Percy Montgomery and Andy Marinos in coming to Wales, and hopefully the Blues.

While neither of these players are being linked by the media, ArmsPark.tk can report that Gibbs has been talking to Thomas, and Dai is keeping tabbs on Venter should Gibbs rejects terms.

Only one of the two will sign for the region (or neither) and will line-up next to Robert Sidoli.