The Cardiff Blues are traditionally a powerhouse of Welsh Rugby. They were the first club to recognise themselves as a new regional entity. Covering the largest area in Wales in terms of population and history. Many of the world’s greatest players come from this Welsh region.
In the first years following the restructuring of Welsh rugby, under the leadership of coach Dai Young, Cardiff Blues performed disappointingly. In 2005, funds were finally made available to sign some new players. In October that year, it was announced that the Rugby legend, Jonah Lomu would join the club as part of his rehabilitation plan in time for the 2007 World Cup. Lomu's Cardiff Blues period was unsuccessful as was the team's performances for the next two seasons. Further signings such as the New Zealander Ben Blair and Chris Czejak in 2007 however bolstered the team and helped make an impact on Cardiff's results. By 2008 the Blues had improved their fortunes and have started to impose themselves home and abroad. In 2009 they finished their best season to date losing to Gloucester in the final of the Anglo-Welsh Cup, and losing to Leciester on penalties in the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup.
The Cardiff Blues region is very pro-active regarding Youth Development. Throughout Cardiff, The vale of Glamorgan and the South Wales Valleys, The Blues have 11 Development coaches that are enthusiastically assisting junior clubs with their coaching programmes. The Cardiff Blues Development manager and his team will liaise with group leaders to customize coaching schedules for inspiresport groups.
Honours:
Heineken Cup
Semi-Finals (1): 2009
Celtic League
Runners-Up (2): 2007, 2008
Anglo-Welsh Cup
Runners-Up (1): 2009
People to Watch:
Martin Williams
Tom Shanklin
Gethin Jenkins
Andy Powell
Leigh Halfpenny
Jamie Roberts
Transport Access : The city is easily accessible either by plane into Cardiff Airport, 14 miles from the city, by ferry into Cardiff or any other of the South Wales’ ports: Newport, Barry and Swansea or by car from the M4 motorway.
Out and About: Cardiff is Europe's youngest capital city. In the past few years the city has flourished with new investment: the Millennium Stadium has rapidly established itself as an international landmark for Sport, in what it considered to be one of the most rugby-mad cities. The redeveloped Cardiff Bay has become the city's liveliest district, with the surrounding waterfront and vast freshwater lake home to some fine bars and restaurants.
Alongside the shiny new buildings, Victorian and Edwardian architecture is still dominant, and nowhere more prevalent than the Arcades - with its narrow alleys, independent shops and cafes, it is one of the most alluring districts in the heart of the city.
Cardiff is also home to Glamorgan County Cricket and the football team, Cardiff City.
