Cardiff RFC get their pre-season underway on Saturday afternoon as they host St Albans RFC at the Cardiff Arms Park (KO: 14:30) in what will be the club’s first game of their sesquicentennial season.
This will also mark only the second encounter with The Buns, who hosted Cardiff at Tremorfa Park last August.
That balmy afternoon saw the Blue and Blacks cross the whitewash on 10 occasions, as they secured a 66-0 victory.
Buoyed by yet another impressive season, where Cardiff claimed the regular season title once again, following a stunning end to their campaign.
Craig Hudd was captain that afternoon at Dunvant RFC, leading Cardiff to a 36-19 victory over Swansea RFC.
He will once again lead the Blue and Blacks into the new campaign, having been confirmed as club captain at the end of July ahead of what promises to be a monumental season for the club.
“It’s a massive privilege for me to be named as captain for this landmark year, and one I take great pride in,” said Hudd.
“We are looking forward to Saturday against St Albans and having a chance to put into practice what we have been training for the last six weeks, and also having a break from the running.”
The Buns will provide the Blue and Blacks with a valuable test ahead of the new SRC season, but the fixture will likely also offer an opportunity to continue Cardiff’s focus on blooding the next generation.
When the two sides last met, head coach Dan Fish used the occasion to hand debuts to a number of players from the club’s pathway, giving them a chance to step up and experience senior rugby.
“It’s great to have so many younger players involved, and these pre-season opportunities can give them a chance to express themselves and show what they are capable of in competing for spots for the upcoming season,” Hudd added.
Last August, Fish handed five players their Cardiff RFC debuts. Gruff John-Morris was joined by Cardiff Rugby Pathway products Sonny McCabe, Rhodri Morgan, Ioan Leyshon, Harry Turner, and Rhys Cummings.
Former Cardiff player Ethan Phillips scored twice as did winger Dewi Cross, with debutants John-Morris, Leyshon, and Morgan also scoring. Elsewhere, Ethan Lloyd, Ioan Penry, and Christian Brooke all crossed, with Lloyd Lucas adding 16 points from the tee, which secured the victory.
“It was a good game down in St Albans last year, and we are hoping for much of the same this weekend,” continued Hudd.
“We have been training hard, making adjustments to our game, and Saturday it’s all about putting pressure on ourselves to execute in a game situation to build into the new season.
“St Albans are a strong group of players; they had a never-say-die attitude last year and really tested us in certain situations.
“We are expecting nothing less this year, and we are looking forward to a tough contest.”
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