Director of Rugby at Cardiff RFC Gruff Rees looks forward to the new season. “We are very much looking forward to getting out on the pitch and playing. As with previous seasons we will be collaborating closely with our local clubs and giving players potential opportunities to transfer some of their form in the lower leagues into the challenge of the Welsh Premiership.
With the senior squad reduced this season we still need to recruit in a few areas and now have the means to do that, including extra sponsorship support that we have worked hard to bring in that was not there before.
There are fewer attached Academy players – Matti Young, Kodie Stone, Harri Wilde, Cameron Tyler-Grocott, Adam Willimas and Lucas De La Rua – as the age demographic has gone down, but we are really excited by their potential and still getting development opportunities as and when desired.
Transition players will train fulltime with the senior squad, but we still look forward to supporting their development needs and working closely with the senior staff. The rugby delivery will continue to be led by the inimitable Steve Law who brings his experience and wisdom to the fore and aligns to the Academy ethos. He will be working closely with attack and backs coach Dan Fish, as well as defence coach Craig Everett who recently impressed with his involvement in the national Under 20s set up. Our medical lead is Liam John, combining his work with the Cardiff pathway. He will work closely with our S&C team which will be supplemented shortly by a new appointment dedicated to Cardiff RFC.
We had a brilliant boost to have club captain Morgan Allen staying at the club after turning down lucrative offers elsewhere and real statement of support for the ambition and drive within the club. It is worth noting that former captain Joey Tomlinson is back after injury curtailed last season early. We cannot wait to see his impact again.
There are several unfamiliar faces for Blue & Black fans to get excited about, and a few players who have signed for Cardiff RFC on a full-time basis this season.
Luke Pollock – from Cardiff University
Tyler Williams – St Josephs
Joe Davies – dual registered with St Peters
Harrison James – RFC contract from the Academy
Dai Jones – from Cardiff University
Freddie Barnes – RFC contract from the Academy
Ethan Phillips – from Cardiff University
Shaun O’Rourke – from Glamorgan Wanderers
Johan Hoogendoren – dual registered with St Peters
Will Gregory – from Cross Keys
Sam Newton – dual registered with St Peters
Craig Hudd – from Newport
We also look forward to welcoming Cardiff University on Thursday evening (24/08 – 7:15pm) at the Arms Park for a friendly. It will be a wonderful opportunity for some gametime as well as integrating new players. We are aware we are playing less fixtures than other teams but considering the bigger picture and the intensity of the season along side the welfare of the core semi-professional group.