Latest Transfer Stories

Transfer Rumours
By Andrew Collins
May 18 2006

Well you probably all know by now anyway, but the Blues are lining up a few new signings for next season, as well as trying to hold on to others. See here for more details.

As has been reported for weeks now, Ben Blair is almost, sort of, definately a Cardiff Blues player. The saga has been going on for a number of days, and this is by no means the first mention of his arrival that i myself have written.

Of course, the information i received was that he has already signed, however since then Dai Young has announced that this is untrue, but he is in talks. I am personally under the impression that he is confirmed in all but formalities, maybe some sort of housing arrangement or a WRU seal of approaval is the only thing holding it up now.

It's so hard to predict when the annoucement will come, though I belive, like many, that his signing will be announced along with 3 or so other players, and a list of names of players promoted from around the region. This will then make up the basis of the squad for next season, give or take some transfers over the summer months.

So as for the other signings, well...

Lets start with the one i reported on last week, Figian winger Mosese Luveitasau. Mosese is 27, and has experience with Figi sevens as well as captaining his side for the last 3 seasons. Luveitasau is a speedster with a ferosous tackle. He isn't your typical South-Sea Islander, he is talented and would fit into the Welsh style. As a youngster, he was highly thought of but a serious injury lost him his form, much like a certain winger departing the Arms Park. He would be a cover player, and wouldn't bring much more than stability.

Next up is Welsh second row cum flanker, Scott Morgan. Neath born Morgan has been with Leeds under Phil Davies for the last 3 years, but in relegation, has decided to come home to Wales. Now 28, Morgan would be brought in again as cover for Sidoli and D.Jones, filling the void left by CQ. He was origionally expected to stay with Leeds, as a key member of their side hoping for a quick return to top flight rugby - see this link - but it now looks as though he has been allowed to leave by his employers.

The final in rumour is that of Newcastle fly half, Dave Wadler. The understudy to Jonny Wilkinson is held high in regaurd at Newcastle, but has found chances come and go in the North. He asked to leave, and has been given permission to end his contract, becoming a free agent. The news alerted many clubs, including rivals, the Newport Gwent Dragons, and many English sides throught the Guinness Premiership. He's a very talented player, but wouldn't oust Nicky Robinson. Whether he'd move to Cardiff knowing he'd be 2nd choice is another matter, but contact has been made supposedly.

The other news however, is more of players staying, rather than comming in. Firstly Martyn Williams confirmed his allegiance to teh Blues for the rest of his career this week. The Ponty born Lions flanker had been in talks with Perpignan, but after weigning up the options he said,

"I was surprised when Perpignan told me they were interested and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't flattered by it. At the end of the day though I have two years left on my contract with the Blues and I am really enjoying it, hopefully I will be at the Arms Park until I finish playing."

And there's also news on fellow flankers Kort Schubert and Maama Molitika. Molly has been in supurb form this season, and is one of the most under valued players in the Celtic League. He's a very capable player, and does the important things very very well. However, now 30, he was set for pastures new in Japan, but he's recently changed his mind, having been offered an extetion with Cardiff.

Whether its too late for him to pull out of Japan now is another thing, but if he does stay it would be a great signing in itself for the resergent Cardiff region.

But his signing could be bad news for Eagles cpatian Schubert who is facing the exit after 2 seasons in Wales. He has been a solid performed and has always given 100%, but as a forgein player, he may well face the chop. Its thought he's been given a lifeline however, if Maama doesn't stay, ther is a chance he'll get another year here, but at the moment, its very much ifs and buts.

One thing you can guarentee is that whatever the news, you can be sure to find it here as it happens.