Many changes happening at Cardiff – Rugby News update
There are a few changes taking place in Cardiff, with players leaving, new signings of player and the announcement that the Cardiff Blues are in search of a new director of rugby, who will work above the current coaches at the club.
One person in all this frenzy who is not leaving is Leigh Halfpenny, and this was made clear by the Chief Executive, Richard Holland who said, "Leigh's still in contract, and he's in contract for another season," and he further added "So contrary to some
of the threads that are going on, he's going nowhere."
Halfpenny played an important role in Wales 2012 Grand Slam campaign and he was the undoubted star for the team, scoring 66 points after taking over the kicking duties and at the same time he scored two tries against Scotland. His good form attracted attention
of other teams, especially from France.
However, the player drain from the Welsh club is in full flow and a host of players are leaving at the end of the season. The full list includes: Martyn Williams, Paul Tito, Maama Molitika, Ben Blair, Taufa'ao Filise, Deiniol Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Casey
Laulala, Rhys Thomas, Ritchie Rees, John Yapp and Dan Parks.
Another player who could yet make a move is Alex Cuthbert and he, like Halfpenny, who is not going anywhere, had a wonderful Grand Slam tournament. The big spenders from France Racing Metro and Toulon have reportedly made big offers to the winger and his
future is up in the air.
Deiniol Jones is leaving the club but for medical reasons and he is retiring. On his decision, the player said, "I had an operation on both shoulders in November because they were getting too painful for me to continue playing and there was quite a bit of
damage in both of them.” He further added, “However, if I take a step back and look at what has been achieved in the eight years I have been here at the Blues, then I am really proud to have been part of the development and progress that has been made."
Cardiff will have an interesting season next year and with so much change at the club, it is important to keep the best players and sort out their futures quickly.
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