Cardiff Blues

Cardiff Blues (Welsh: Gleision Caerdydd) are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team play at Cardiff Arms Park and are owned by Cardiff Blues Rugby Ltd, who also own and run Cardiff Rugby Football Club.

Cardiff Blues
UnionWelsh Rugby Union
Nickname(s)Blues
Founded2003 (2003)
LocationCardiff, Wales
Ground(s)Cardiff Arms Park (Capacity: 12,125)
ChairmanAlun Jones[1]
CEORichard Holland[1]
PresidentPeter Thomas CBE[1]
Coach(es)John Mulvihill
Captain(s)Ellis Jenkins
Most capsTaufa'ao Filise (255) [2]
Top scorerBen Blair (1078) [3]
Most triesTom James (60) [4]
League(s)Pro14
2018-195th (Conference A)
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.cardiffblues.com

Cardiff Blues are responsible for developing rugby in the city of Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil and south Powys.[5] There are 75 associate clubs within this wider Cardiff Blues region including semi professional Pontypridd RFC and the Cardiff RFC Welsh Premiership side.[2]

The Cardiff Blues compete in the Pro14 league, which includes teams from the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as Italy and South Africa. In addition, Cardiff Blues competed in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and (for the 2017–18 season) the European Rugby Challenge Cup which they won by beating Gloucester in the final 31-30. They previously won the 2008–09 Anglo-Welsh Cup and the 2009–10 European Challenge Cup.

History

Formation

Until the beginning of the 2003–04 season, Welsh rugby was organised in a league pyramid, at the top of which were nine professional clubs. The system was similar to the English Premiership and French Top 14 club systems. However, by the 2002–03 season it was clear for financial reasons that Wales could not support nine professional teams.[6]

In a process instigated by the then CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), David Moffett, the nine clubs[7] began the introduction of regional rugby union teams in Wales.

An agreement was reached whereby Cardiff RFC would be allowed to form a "standalone" club, meaning that they would not have to amalgamate with any of the other eight professional clubs.[8] As a result, Cardiff RFC created the Cardiff Blues and a launch event took place at the Cardiff Hilton on 6 June 2003.

2003–04

On the field

Cardiff Blues, missing Rhys Williams, Tom Shanklin, Iestyn Harris and Martyn Williams to Wales's World Cup squad for the start of the season, lost their first three matches, including friendlies against Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints and a Celtic League game against Glasgow. By the end of 2003, they had lost 12 matches and only won three (against Connacht, Leinster and Ospreys), all the wins coming at home. Increasingly, there were calls for head coach Dai Young to step down.[9]

The 43–6 win over Ospreys was notable for the performance of fireman Lee Abdul.[10] The semi-professional had been brought into the squad as cover during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and scored a record four tries from the wing. Unfortunately for Abdul, he suffered a serious injury in the next home game against the Newport Gwent Dragons.

In January the Cardiff Blues recorded Heineken Cup victories over English club Sale and French side Biarritz Olympique. The temporary signing of former Australian international Matt Cockbain seemed to revitalise the side,[9] and his brief stay coincided with a six match unbeaten run which lasted until a dour 0–6 loss to the Llanelli Scarlets in March. Cardiff Blues finished the season as the lowest ranked Welsh club in the Celtic League having only managed one win against another Welsh side. They were however the highest try scorers in the league, scoring 73 tries.[11]

Off the field

The Cardiff Blues, who played their home games at the 13,500 capacity Cardiff Arms Park, managed an average attendance of 4,518 for their homes games in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup during the season, far below the target set by David Moffett at 8,000.[12] The highest attendance of the season was 7,000 for the Celtic League 0–6 defeat to the Scarlets in March, while the joint lowest were 3,500 each for the games against Leinster and Connacht in October.

2004–05

On the field

Cardiff Blues finished the Celtic League 9th place, and recorded only one win in the Heineken Cup. Calls for Head Coach Dai Young to be removed intensified between November and January when the team went eight games without recording a victory. Following the 15–38 loss to Stade Français the players were booed from the field by their own supporters.[9]

Finishing in a low position in the league meant that to qualify for the Heineken Cup, Cardiff Blues had to compete in a play-off game against the third place Italian side Arix Viadana. Cardiff Blues won this game 38–9, thus qualifying for the Heineken Cup through what the media described as the cat flap.[9] This was only the second away win of the season, and the governing body made plans to ensure that performance on the field would dramatically improve the following season.[9]

Off the field

As Pontypridd was brought under the Cardiff Blues umbrella following the demise of the Celtic Warriors (although all games were still hosted at the Arms Park and there were no changes to region's club kit or badge) attendances for home Celtic League and Heineken Cup games rose to an average of 5,218 for the 2004–05 season. The lowest crowd was 2,799 for Glasgow's League visit in November, still the lowest crowd ever for the Cardiff Blues in a League or European match, while the highest was 10,186 for Gloucester's Heineken Cup visit in December.

2005–06

On the field

In the summer of 2005 funds were finally made available to sign new players allowing Dai Young to start rebuild the side. Former New Zealand No.8 Xavier Rush was among several new signings who gave the squad a much stronger look on paper. Also, a new custom-built training headquarters was established at Hensol in the outskirts of Cardiff. Previously the team had been training on public fields and in public gyms.

There was further reason for optimism when the Heineken Cup draw was announced. Cardiff Blues were matched with Italian minnows Calvisano, notoriously poor travellers USA Perpignan and the Leeds Tykes. Many believed that Cardiff Blues had a golden opportunity of finally making the Heineken Cup quarter finals.[9]

Results did not improve immediately, with the 37–20 win over Saracens in October 2005 the highlight to a disappointing start to the season. However, in the prematch announcement it was confirmed that rugby legend Jonah Lomu had agreed to join Cardiff Blues on a temporary basis as he tried to rebuild his career in time for the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Lomu was recovering from a kidney transplant,[9] but the signing gave notice of the team's renewed ambition. His home debut versus Calvisano was greeted by a capacity crowd and the signing was regarded as a marketing masterstroke.[9] Results improved with wins over the Ospreys and the Newport Gwent Dragons in December.

In January 2006 the Cardiff Blues were knocked out of the Heineken Cup after losing 3–21 at home to Perpignan and then losing 3–48 to the relegation threatened Leeds Tykes. This formed part of a 5 match losing run, coinciding with the loss through injury of outside half Nicky Robinson. The poor run prompted the management to issue "final warnings" to under performing players.[9] As had been the case in the two previous seasons, results improved in the latter months of the season, and in May, the Celtic League attendance record was broken when 15,327 watched Cardiff Blues beat Leinster 40–31 at the Millennium Stadium. The Cardiff Blues finished the league in 4th; the highest placed Welsh team.

Off the field

The signing of Jonah Lomu helped attendances rise to an average of 8,173 in Celtic League and Heineken Cup home games. The smallest attendance was 4,508 for the Celtic League games against Glasgow in March, while the highest was the Celtic League record crowd of 15,327 against Leinster at the Millennium Stadium.

2006–07

On the field
Further information: 2006–07 Celtic League

More signings, including former New Zealand fullback Ben Blair, further enhanced the quality of the Cardiff Blues squad for the 2006–07 season. Several young players from the regional academy also became established players, including Chris Czekaj and Duane Goodfield. The emergence of other highly tipped young players (notably Bradley Davies[9] and Tom James[9]) encouraged the belief that Cardiff Blues could soon start challenging for major honours.[9] London Wasps, Saracens and London Irish were all defeated in the Anglo-Welsh Cup group stages; however the Ospreys defeated the Cardiff Blues 27–10 in the semi-final at the Millennium Stadium on 24 March 2007.

In the Heineken Cup, Cardiff Blues recorded their first win in France, beating Bourgoin 13–5. For their next game, the Cardiff Blues again played at the Millennium Stadium. This time hosting Leicester Tigers, they attracted their highest ever Heineken Cup crowd, with 26,309 spectators attending the game, although they lost the game by 17 points to 21 after being down to 14 men for a long period of the game. Cardiff Blues were finally knocked out of the Heineken Cup after successive losses to the champions, Munster, despite respectable performances (particularly at Munster's Thomond Park).

Cardiff Blues fared better in the domestic league, finishing second after having beaten Leinster at home to go top of the league, only for the Ospreys to win at Borders the next day to claim the title.

Off the field

The average attendances in the League and in Europe rose again for the Cardiff Blues, this time to 9,413. The lowest attendance was 4,309 for a Magners League match against Connacht in November, while the highest was 26,645 at the Millennium Stadium for the visit of Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Cup.

2007–08

Signings

Further additions to the Cardiff Blues squad over the summer include Gareth Thomas, Paul Tito and Jason Spice, who was brought in to replace Mike Philips who signed to the Ospreys for a reported £180,000 a year.[13]

Celtic League
Further information: 2007–08 Celtic League

The Cardiff Blues won their first two games of the season, beating the Ospreys at home in the opening match and extending their unbeaten home record to sixteen games,[14] and recording an away win at Newport Gwent Dragons the following week to top the table. The Cardiff Blues extended their unbeaten home record to seventeen games the following week with a home victory against Glasgow,[15] but subsequently lost their next home game against Leinster conceding two interception tries.[16]

The Cardiff Blues responded to the defeat against Leinster with an away victory over Munster, only the second time in the history of the Celtic League that the Cardiff Blues maintained their position at the top of the league.[17] The following week saw a 30–16 home victory against Connacht, with Gareth Thomas making his first appearance in Cardiff Blues colours, coming on off the bench after 50 minutes to replace wing Rhys Williams.[18] The Cardiff Blues once again finished second in the Celtic League.

Anglo-Welsh Cup
Further information: 2007–08 EDF Energy Cup

The Anglo-Welsh Cup started well for the Cardiff Blues with a 32–15 bonus point win at home over Sale. Cardiff scoring four tries in the first 30 minutes with Gareth Thomas getting two of these on his first start for the Cardiff Blues.[19] In the second week of the Anglo-Welsh Cup the Cardiff Blues lost 42–20 against Leicester Tigers, effectively knocking them out of the competition. In the final pool game of the competition the Cardiff Blues ended Bath RFCs twelve-month unbeaten home record, winning 6–14 at the Recreation Ground. This win however was insufficient, with Leicester progressing to the semi-finals as a result of having gained a bonus point in every pool match.

Heineken Cup
Further information: 2007–08 Heineken Cup

The Cardiff Blues began their Heineken Cup campaign with a bonus point 34–18 home win over Bristol, and followed this with a 13–13 away draw at Harlequins. In December, the Cardiff Blues secured a losing bonus point in their 12–6 loss against Stade Français in Paris, and subsequently won the return fixture 31–21 the following week. A 23–12 home win over Harlequins followed by a 17–0 away win at Bristol secured qualification to the quarter-final stages as the fifth seed. The Cardiff Blues subsequently lost their away quarter-final 41–17 against Toulouse on 6 April.

Off the field

Cardiff Blues crowds fell slightly in 2007–08 to a still-respectable average of 8,877 in the League and in Europe. Their smallest crowd was in September with 5,425 against Glasgow. The biggest was 12,532 for the Boxing Day derby against the Dragons.

2008–09

Signings

Very low key signings made in the summer; Ceri Sweeney, Aled Brew and Richard Mustoe. After a clear out of mostly squad players that saw seven players leave; Marc Stcherbina, Robert Sidoli, Nick Macleod, James Goode, Duane Goodfield, Tom Riley and Rhys Shellard.

Subsequently, Aled Brew had been loaned to Newport Gwent Dragons.

Celtic League
Main article: 2008–09 Celtic League

The Cardiff Blues finished 6th in the Celtic League, winning 8 games but losing 9. This was mainly due to their focus on the Heineken cup and the Anglo-Welsh cup.

Anglo-Welsh Cup
Main article: 2008–09 EDF Energy Cup

Cardiff Blues were the only unbeaten team in the competition, winning their group, and beating Northampton 11–5 in the semi-final. The Cardiff Blues went on to win the final at Twickenham, 50–12 against Gloucester.

Heineken Cup
Main article: 2008–09 Heineken Cup

The Cardiff Blues began their Heineken Cup campaign with a 20–56 bonus point victory away to Calvisano.[20] This was followed by a bonus point 37–24 win against Gloucester at the Millennium Stadium. A crowd of 27,114 set a new record for a Heineken Cup pool stage game for the Welsh region.[21][22] The Cardiff Blues then claimed back-to-back victories over Biarritz in December, winning 21–17 at home followed by a 6–10 victory away.[23][24]

Following the Christmas break, the Cardiff Blues recorded an away 12–16 victory over Gloucester despite being reduced to 14 men after Tom James was sent-off for a head butt on Gloucester hooker Olivier Azam.[25] The final round of pool games saw the Cardiff Blues face Calvisano at home. A bonus point 62–20 win ensured that the Cardiff Blues remained the only unbeaten team in the pool stages of the 2008–09 Heineken Cup with the Cardiff Blues claiming the top seed and a home quarter-final.[26]

The quarter-final against eighth seed and three-times Heineken Cup winners Toulouse was played in the Millennium Stadium with another record attendance of 36,778. The Cardiff Blues claimed a 9–6 victory in a defence dominated game.[27] The semi-final against Leicester Tigers was also hosted at the Millennium Stadium. Despite being 12–26 down with six minutes remaining, the Cardiff Blues mounted a comeback tie the scores at 26–26 after 80 minutes and force extra time. With no further score in the 20 minutes of extra time, the game was forced into an historic penalty kick decider. The Cardiff Blues were defeated 7–6 following missed kicks by Tom James and Martyn Williams.[28]

Off the field

2008–09 was the most successful year since rebranding in terms of attendances, with an average crowd of 12,639 (the crowd of 44,212 for the 'neutral' Heineken Cup semi-final played at the Millennium Stadium is not included in that figure). The lowest attendance was 6,608 for the rearranged Magners League fixture against the Dragons in May, while the highest was the biggest crowd since rebranding, 36,728 for the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulouse at the Millennium Stadium in May. Following this season, the Cardiff Blues decided to move from the Arms Park to the Cardiff City Stadium

2009–10

Signings

With the loss of Nicky Robinson, Jamie Robinson, Jason Spice and Ross Johnson; the Cardiff Blues signed Sam Norton-Knight from the New South Wales Waratahs, Gareth Cooper from Gloucester and Gavin Evans from Scarlets, as well as Casey Laulala from the Canterbury Crusaders who arrived in the November.

Season

In the Celtic League, the Cardiff Blues finished fifth in the table, one point out of the playoffs; but secured a place in the 2010–11 Heineken Cup as the second-placed Welsh team. Their Heineken Cup campaign ended after the pool stage, in which they finished second to Toulouse and were not one of the two top second-place teams. However, this season was the first in which three-second-place teams from the Heineken Cup parachuted into the European Challenge Cup, and the Cardiff Blues were one of three teams to qualify. They crushed Newcastle Falcons 55–20 in the quarterfinals and edged London Wasps 18–15, both on the road, to reach the final of the competition. The Cardiff Blues became the first Welsh side to win a European trophy after beating Toulon 28–21 in the final on 23 May at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.[29]

Off the field

The Cardiff Blues had another five-figure average attendance in 2009–10, this time 10,708. Their smallest crowd was 7,105 (bigger than any of their attendances in their first season) against Connacht in December. Their highest was 16,341 for the October derby against the Ospreys.

In money terms, the Cardiff Blues had a turnover of £8.7 million and a total employment bill of £5.6 million, with other costs including rental of the new stadium leading them to make a loss of more than £650,000.

2010–11

Signings

With the unsuccessful Sam Norton-Knight signing for the Sanyo Wild Knights after not making the grade at outside half, Dan Parks of Glasgow Warriors and a Scottish International was signed. He is the current record points scorer in the Celtic League.

The Cardiff Blues also re-signed Xavier Rush. After declaring his move to Ulster earlier in the season, Rush because of a change in personal matters wanted to stay at the Blues. Although he had signed a contract with Ulster, he managed to negotiate a release from this to continue his career with the Blues.

Another Kiwi was signed by Cardiff in the summer, Michael Paterson from the Super 14 side the Hurricanes, where he played either in the second row or on the blindside. Press reports in New Zealand at the time of the signing indicated that he was on the fringes of the All-Black squad.

Cardiff Blues also signed three English based Welshmen – two from Doncaster Knights, Bryn Griffiths (second row) and Tom Davies (prop) and one from London Welsh, Tom Brown (No.8).

Cardiff Blues released Andy Powell after he "lost his way" after the golf buggy incident while on international duty with Wales. Cardiff Blues have also released a number of squad players in the summer including Robin Sowden-Taylor (Dragons), Scott Morgan (Dragons) and Dai Flanagan (Ospreys).

Season

Cardiff Blues were runners up in their Heineken Cup pool but with not enough points to progress in either the Heineken or the Amlin Cups. In the Pro 12 they slipped to 6th place, missing out on a play-off spot.

Off the field

Attendances fell for the second season in a row at the Cardiff City Stadium, this time to an average of 9,810. The lowest crowd was 3,760 in November against Glasgow, and the highest was reported as 22,160 (a record for the Cardiff Blues in the Magners League) for the New Year's Eve fixture against the Ospreys.

Lower attendances and a failure to progress in either the Heineken Cup or Magners League meant turnover fell to £7.4m, while added player and coaching costs led to the total employment bill rising £6.7m.

2011–12

Signings

Minimal changes were made to the squad, with no signings being made. However, Gavin Henson joined midseason on a short term contract. Off the field, David Young left for London Wasps, with a caretaker coaching team managing the team for the duration of the season. Mid season, long serving Chief Executive Robert Norster also left, to be replaced by Richard Holland.

Season

Despite some success in the Heineken Cup, beating Racing Metro and achieving a quarter final place, this was a season in which Cardiff Blues managed only 10 league wins. The season was marked by increased awareness of the impact financial pressures were having on the team since the move to Cardiff City Stadium.[30] Attendances declined further and supporters expressed their dissatisfaction.[31] Two fixtures were moved back to Cardiff Arms Park with some success.[32]

Off the field

Attendances nosedived this season to an average of 7,510, the lowest since 2004–05. The highest was a mere 10,660 for the visit of the Dragons in December, the smallest crowd was 3,580 for the final home games of the season, where the Cardiff Blues said goodbye to a number of players including Martyn Williams, who had played for the Blues since their inception. The Cardiff Blues then decided to move back to their traditional home at the Arms Park.

The region lost £3.83m in the season (including a £1m agreement with Cardiff City F.C to end their rental agreement at the Cardiff City Stadium).

2012–13

Signings

A host of players including Welsh internationals Gethin Jenkins, T Rhys Thomas, John Yapp, Richie Rees as well as former All Blacks Casey Laulala and Ben Blair joined other clubs. Martyn Williams, Xavier Rush, Paul Tito, Maa'ma Molitika and Deiniol Jones all retired. Jason Tovey arrived to replace Dan Parks. Lou Reed and Robin Copeland were added to the pack. Overseas front rowers Benoit Bourrust, Campese Maa'fu and Andy Kyriacou were also added.

Season

Under new Director of Rugby Phil Davies, Cardiff Blues managed only eight wins in the Pro12 and one in the Heineken Cup. They scored a mere 28 tries in the Pro12, the lowest in the league. The season was also marked by concern over the Arms Park playing surface.

2013–14

Signings

More experienced players left including Jamie Roberts, Michael Paterson, Tom James and Ceri Sweeney. Jason Tovey returned to Newport Gwent Dragons after one season.

Former player Gethin Jenkins returned from Toulon and British Lions hooker Matthew Rees also joined.

Season

Over the summer, money was invested in a new artificial playing surface at the Arms Park.

After a home loss to Italian club Zebre and a heavy defeat in the Heineken Cup to Exeter, Phil Davies's came under severe scrutiny. However a victory over Heineken Cup champions Toulon followed by back to back wins over Glasgow eased pressure on the Director of Rugby. A series of league defeats once more increased pressure on Davies who finally resigned. The remaining six matches of the season saw caretaker coaches Paul John and Dale McIntosh take the team on a four match unbeaten run which belatedly improved the team's league position.

2014–15

Signings

Jarrad Hoeata and Gareth Anscombe signed from New Zealand, Italian international Manoa Vosawai and Welsh internationals Tavis Knoyle, Josh Turnbull, Craig Mitchell and Adam Jones have been confirmed. Other confirmed arrivals are Bristol wing George Watkins and Wales Sevens skipper Adam Thomas.

Confirmed departures include Leigh Halfpenny, Harry Robinson, Chris Czekaj, Bradley Davies, Robin Copeland and Andries Pretorius.

Colours

On their inception, the Cardiff Blues kit corresponded with the traditional Cardiff RFC colours of Cambridge Blue and black. The kit for the subsequent season was a variation of these colours with white being used as an alternative strip in the case of a colour clash with the opposition.

In 2006, Cardiff Blues changed their playing strip in a decision widely interpreted as a move away from the old Cardiff RFC identity, as for the first time black was not included alongside the blue.[9]

Kit suppliers

Fila supplied the kits for the 2003–2004 season. The 2004-2005 season saw Canterbury brought in as the official kit and merchandise partner. Canterbury continued as the Cardiff Blues kit suppliers for over a decade until they were replaced by Macron for the upcoming 2018-2019 season on a four year deal. [33]

Identity controversy

There were repeated calls for Cardiff Blues to drop the "Cardiff" part of their name to sever links with the old Cardiff RFC identity and to move away from the traditional light blue kit worn by CRFC.[9][9] Proponents of this idea point to the Super Rugby tournament where teams such as the Bulls and Crusaders play with no geographic locator in their name.[34] These calls intensified when the Celtic Warriors regional team was dissolved in 2004, bringing old rivals Pontypridd within the catchment area of the Cardiff Blues region. However, there was significant opposition to any such move within the ranks of the club, given that the Cardiff club had won standalone status in 2003 at a cost of £1,000,000.[35]

Ownership

Cardiff blues is owned by Cardiff Blues Rugby Ltd, who also own and run Cardiff Rugby Football Club. The ownership of Cardiff Blues Rugby Ltd is held by a collection of shareholders, including the life president, Peter Thomas, Cardiff Athletic Club, and board members Martyn Ryan, John Smart and Paul Bailey, and numerous minority shareholders.[36]

Regional responsibilities
A map showing the Welsh rugby regions.

Cardiff Blues are responsible for assisting the development of rugby in an area covering the City of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, the eastern Glamorgan valleys and Breconshire.

Initially, the Cardiff Blues' region covered only the City of Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. However, this was expanded upon the demise of the Celtic Warriors region after one season. Cardiff RFC Ltd employ development officers who work with schools and clubs across the region and run a rugby academy for elite players aged 16 and above.

Home ground

From their inception in 2003 the Cardiff Blues played home games at the Cardiff Arms Park, with some high-profile fixtures played at the neighbouring Millennium Stadium, such as the 2008–09 Heineken Cup semi-final versus Leicester Tigers.

From the beginning of the 2009–10 season Cardiff Blues moved to the new Cardiff City Stadium at Leckwith, with the first home game a friendly against Leicester which they lost 5–14, the attendance was 16,000.[37] For use of Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff Blues were paying £350,000 a year in rent to Cardiff City and a similar figure in service charges, as well as covering other match day costs. These costs were later described as unsustainable.[38]

Financial pressures and supporter dissatisfaction led to several home games being moved to the Arms Park in the 2011–12 season. The games against Connacht on 10 February 2012 and Ulster on 17 February 2012 achieved capacity crowds and proved popular with supporters.[39]

On 8 May 2012 it was announced that the 20-year lease with Cardiff City F.C. had been broken by mutual consent. Following significant losses incurred as a result of the move, the Cardiff Blues returned to playing home matches at the Arms Park from the 2012–13 season.

Current standings
2019–20 Pro14 Table
Conference A
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1 Leinster (Q) 131300476181+29568249061
2 Ulster 13814355252+10347337243
3 Glasgow Warriors 13706334296+3849395134
4 Cheetahs 13607342280+6248325232
5 Dragons 13508243354-11126411122
6 Zebre 132110204370-16627534216
7 Ospreys 132110165326-16117401415
Conference B
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1 Edinburgh 131003358195+16344235247
2 Munster 13904352216+13643217245
3 Scarlets 13805281242+3935293237
4 Connacht 13706264291-2735396135
5 Benetton 13517280324-4432405431
6 Cardiff Blues 13607242275-3326313229
7 Southern Kings 131012204498-2942375037
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order -[40]
  1. number of matches won
  2. the difference between points for and points against
  3. the number of tries scored
  4. the most points scored
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against
  6. the fewest red cards received
  7. the fewest yellow cards received
Green background indicates teams that compete in the Pro14 play-offs, and also earn a place in the 2020–21 European Champions Cup

Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earn a place in the 2020–21 European Champions Cup
Red background indicates teams ineligible for European cup tournaments
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2020–21 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
(CH) Champions. (RU) Runners-up. (SF) Losing semi-finalists. (QF) Losing quarter-finalists. (PO) Champions Cup play-off winners. (q) Qualified for Pro14 play-offs. (Q) Qualified for Pro14 play-off semi-finals. (e) Cannot reach play-offs.

    Management

    The Cardiff Blues had been coached by Dai Young since 2003, until the summer of 2011 when he moved to London Wasps. Over this extended period his various assistants included Richard Webster, Geraint John, Rob Howley, Dan Baugh and Bill Millard.

    Upon Young's move to Wasps, Young's former assistants, Wales Sevens assistant coach Gareth Baber and former Blues Academy Director Justin Burnell were made joint caretaker coaches for the 2011–12 season.

    Former Scarlets and Worcester Warriors Coach Phil Davies was made Director of Rugby for the following season. Xavier Rush joined as Defence coach in July 2012 after retiring from playing due to injury.[41] Gareth Baber was retained as backs coach whilst Burnell made his exit.

    Rush left the Arms Park after the 2012–13 season and former London Broncos head coach Rob Powell took over as defence coach. After a heavy defeat to Exeter in the Heineken Cup, Powell was replaced by former Pontypridd RFC and Cardiff Blues academy coach Dale McIntosh.

    Baber also left his role midway through the 2013–14 season and was replaced by former Wales Sevens coach Paul John.

    On 3 March following a poor run of results, Phil Davies resigned six matches before the end of the season. His assistants McIntosh and John were named caretaker coaches for the remainder of the 2013–14 season.

    On 18 May 2014, former All Black Hooker, Mark Hammett was named as the new Director of Rugby, taking over from Phil Davies. Caretaker coaches McIntosh and John, will remain part of the coaching team.[42]

    On 11 June, former Wales U20's head coach Danny Wilson was appointed new head coach.[43]

    John Mulvihill was appointed as the head coach on 20 March 2018.[44] Joining from Japanese side Honda Heat.

    Position Name Nationality
    Head Coach John Mulvihill  Australia
    Forwards Coach Tom Smith  Wales
    Backs Coach Richie Rees  Wales
    Defence Coach Richard Hodges  Wales
    Scrum Coach Duane Goodfield  Wales
    Rugby Operations Manager Gafyn Cooper  Wales
    Head of Performance Analysis Rhodri Manning  Wales
    Training Ground Manager Mike Bieri  Wales
    Strength & Conditioning Coach Robin Sowden-Taylor  Wales
    Strength & Conditioning Coach Dan Akenhead  Wales
    Team Doctor Dr. Matt Giles  Wales
    Head of Medical Services Dan Jones  Wales
    Mobility & Recovery Coach Richard Hughes  Wales
    Senior Analyst Steffan Bennett  Wales
    Analyst Huw Rodgers  Wales

    Former Head coaches
    Name Years
    Dai Young 2003–2011
    Gareth Baber, Justin Burnell (Caretakers) 2011–2012
    Phil Davies 2012–2014
    Paul John, Dale McIntosh (Caretakers) 2014
    Mark Hammett 2014–2015
    Paul John, Dale McIntosh (Caretakers) 2015
    Danny Wilson 2015–2018

    Current squad
    For player movements before or during the 2020–21 season, see List of 2020–21 Pro14 transfers § Cardiff Blues.
    Cardiff Blues Pro14 squad[lower-alpha 1]

    Props

    Hookers

    Locks

    Back row

    Scrum-halves

    Fly-halves

    Centres

    Wings

    Fullbacks

    (c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
    * denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality.
    Players and their allocated positions from the Cardiff Blues website.[45]
    1. Taking into account signings and departures head of 2020–21 season as listed on List of 2020–21 Pro14 transfers.

    Academy Squad
    Cardiff Blues Academy squad[lower-alpha 1]

    Props

    Hookers

    • Iestyn Harris

    Locks

    • Teddy Williams

    Back row

    Scrum-halves

    • Jamie Hill

    Fly-halves

    Centres

    Wings

    • Alex Varney

    Fullbacks

    (c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
    * denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality.
    Players and their allocated positions from the Cardiff Blues website.[46]
    1. Taking into account signings and departures head of 2020–21 season as listed on List of 2020–21 Pro14 transfers.

    British and Irish Lions

    The following players have been selected to play for the British and Irish Lions touring squads while playing for the Cardiff Blues.[47]

    Player Home union Tours Lions Number
    Gethin Jenkins Wales 2005, 2009 736
    Tom Shanklin Wales 2005, 2009 740
    Martyn Williams Wales 2005, 2009 712
    Leigh Halfpenny Wales 2009, 2013 775
    Andy Powell Wales 2009 771
    Jamie Roberts Wales 2009, 2013 757
    Sam Warburton Wales 2013, 2017 800
    Alex Cuthbert Wales 2013 777

    Notable former players

    Players who have won over 20 international caps and have represented Cardiff Blues in the past:

    Player Position Home Union
    Dan Baugh Flanker Canada
    Matt Cockbain Flanker Australia
    Alex Cuthbert Wing Wales
    Bradley Davies Lock Wales
    Ben Evans Prop Wales
    Ed Fairhurst Scrum-half Canada
    Leigh Halfpenny Fullback Wales
    Iestyn Harris Fly-half Wales
    Gethin Jenkins Prop Wales
    Jonah Lomu Wing New Zealand
    Pieter Muller Centre South Africa
    Dan Parks Fly-half Scotland
    Craig Quinnell Lock Wales
    Jamie Roberts Centre Wales
    Kort Schubert Flanker United States
    Robert Sidoli Lock Wales
    Ceri Sweeney Fly-half Wales
    Gareth Thomas Fullback Wales
    T. Rhys Thomas Hooker Wales
    Sam Warburton Flanker Wales
    Martyn Williams Flanker Wales
    John Yapp Prop Wales

    Results and statistics

    Celtic League / Pro12 / Pro14
    Season Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points Position
    2018-19211001114545th (Conference A)
    2017-18211101010544th (Conference A)
    2016-1722111107537th
    2015-16221101112567th
    2014–1522711453510th
    2013–142281137417th
    2012–132280146389th
    2011–12221001210507th
    2010–112213186606th
    2009–101810084445th
    2008–09188194386th
    2007–081812068562nd
    2006–072013169632nd
    2005–0622110911634th[n 1]
    2004–052081116409th
    2003–04221101110546th
    1. 11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded 4 points instead.
      Therefore, each team finished the season with 8 more points than the table would seem to warrant.

      Celtic Cup
      SeasonRoundMatch
      2003–04 Quarter-finalEdinburgh Rugby 33 – 16 Cardiff Blues[48]

      Heineken Cup / Rugby Champions Cup
      SeasonPoolPlayedWinDrawLossBPPointsPlace
      2018-19 362042103rd
      2013–14 263032142nd
      2012–13 66105263rd
      2011–12 265011212nd
      Quarter-final Leinster 34 – 3 Cardiff Blues
      2010–11 163032142nd
      2009–10 (HC) 564022182nd
      2009–10 (ACC) Quarter-final Newcastle Falcons 20 – 55 Cardiff Blues
      Semi-final London Wasps 15 – 18 Cardiff Blues
      Final Cardiff Blues 28 – 21 Toulon
      2008–09 666003271st
      Quarter-final Cardiff Blues 9 – 6 Toulouse
      Semi-final Cardiff Blues 26 – 26 (6–7 penalties) Leicester Tigers
      2007–08 364112201st
      Quarter-final Toulouse 41 – 17 Cardiff Blues
      2006–07 46204193rd
      2005–06 263033153rd
      2004–05 66105374th
      2003–04 362043113rd

      European Rugby Challenge Cup
      SeasonPoolPlayedWinDrawLossBPPointsPlace
      2017-18 265011211st
      Quarter-final Edinburgh 6 - 20 Cardiff Blues
      Semi-final Cardiff Blues16 – 10 Pau
      Final Cardiff Blues 31 - 30 Gloucester
      2016-17 465012222nd
      Quarter-final Gloucester 46 - 26 Cardiff Blues
      2015-16 363035173rd
      2014–15 165014242nd
      Quarter-final Newport Gwent Dragons 25 – 21 Cardiff Blues

      Anglo-Welsh Cup
      Season Group/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
      2017-18Pool 14th400400
      2016-17Pool 34th400422
      2014–15Pool 22nd4301113
      2013–14Pool 23rd4202210
      2012–13Pool 23rd420219
      2011–12Pool 23rd410315
      2010–11Pool 13rd401302
      2009–10Pool 31st4301315
      Semi-finalCardiff Blues 18–29 Gloucester
      2008–09Group B1st3300012
      Semi-finalCardiff Blues 11–5 Northampton Saints
      FinalCardiff Blues 50–12 Gloucester
      2007–08Group B2nd320119
      2006–07Group B1st3300113
      Semi-finalCardiff Blues 10–27 Ospreys
      2005–06Group B2nd310226

      ERC Elite Award

      In 2004 Cardiff Blues received the ERC Elite Award for having played 50 games in the Heineken Cup. This record began in 1995 when Cardiff RFC recorded an away draw at Bordeaux, and continued following the reorganisation of Welsh rugby in 2003, due to the club standing alone and rebranding as Cardiff Blues. ERC statistics show that the team has played 92 games in Europe as first Cardiff RFC then as Cardiff Blues (from the start of 2010–11 season)[49] while the Cardiff Blues' muddled marketing only includes the period since 2003 – 49 games.[50]

      Players who have been awarded 50 tournament caps:[51]

      Club honours
      gollark: Humans are generally wired to see agency in things which don't actually have it.
      gollark: The problem is that "people using psychedelics feel god-related things" is entirely consistent with "god(s) exist" and "god(s) don't exist, but drugs can push god-related buttons in the brain".
      gollark: That makes me less convinced, really.
      gollark: What of it? Human brains are very glitchy.
      gollark: I have ominous "oh bee a thing is behind me" feelings sometimes. However, this is not actually *true*.

      See also

      References
      1. "Board & Management". Cardiff Blues.
      2. "Cardiff Blues". cardiffblues.com. Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
      3. www.uprisevsi.co.uk, upriseVSI. "Ben Blair". upriseVSI.
      4. www.uprisevsi.co.uk, upriseVSI. "Tom James". upriseVSI.
      5. "Cardiff Blues : Regional Clubs". Archived from the original on 20 October 2007.
      6. "Welsh Rugby Union : Clubs Overwhelmingly Back Moffett". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
      7. (Bridgend RFC; Caerphilly RFC; Cardiff RFC; Ebbw Vale RFC; Llanelli RFC; Neath RFC; Newport RFC; Pontypridd RFC; Swansea RFC)
      8. "Sports & Recreation". archive.is. 20 July 2012. Archived from the original on 20 July 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
      9. "WalesOnline: News, sport, weather and events from across Wales". www.walesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
      10. Williams, David (26 October 2003). "Rugby Union: HOT STUFF". Sunday Mirror. Archived from the original on 15 February 2009.
      11. "Millennium Stadium : Regional Preview: Cardiff Blues". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
      12. Howell, Andy (24 September 2012). "Special report: The story of Welsh rugby attendances in the regional era". walesonline. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
      13. "Ospreys recruit Phillips & Gough". BBC News. 25 April 2007.
      14. "Blues 17–15 Ospreys". BBC News. 31 August 2007.
      15. "Cardiff Blues : Cardiff Blues 32 Glasgow 16". Archived from the original on 17 February 2009.
      16. "Cardiff Blues : Cardiff Blues 19 Leinster 30". Archived from the original on 18 February 2009.
      17. "Tom James scores two tries to clinch win at Musgrave Park". Archived from the original on 16 February 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2007..
      18. "Cardiff Blues 30–16 Connacht". BBC. 12 October 2007. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
      19. "Cardiff Blues : Blues Bonus Win Against Sale". Archived from the original on 16 February 2009.
      20. "Rugby Calvisano 20-56 Blues". 11 October 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
      21. "Blues 37-24 Gloucester". 19 October 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
      22. "Cardiff Blues: Cardiff Blues 37 Gloucester 24". Archived from the original on 27 December 2008.
      23. "Cardiff Blues 21-17 Biarritz". 5 December 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
      24. "Biarritz 6-10 Cardiff Blues". 13 December 2008. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
      25. "Gloucester 12-16 Blues". 18 January 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
      26. "Cardiff Blues 62-20 Calvisano". 23 January 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
      27. "Cardiff Blues 9-6 Toulouse". 11 April 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
      28. "Cardiff Blues 26-26 Leicester (aet)". 3 May 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
      29. Pope, Bruce (23 May 2010). "Cardiff Blues 28–21 Toulon". Stade Vélodrome, Marseille: BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
      30. "Gareth Davies believes Cardiff Blues coaches 'under pressure'". 9 April 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
      31. Parfitt, Delme (22 April 2012). "Cardiff Blues 38 - 13 Edinburgh: Alex Cuthbert hat-trick seals happy send-off for Blues stars". walesonline. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
      32. WalesOnline (11 February 2012). "Blues delighted at Arms Park return". walesonline. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
      33. James, Ben (14 July 2018). "Cardiff Blues roll back the years with new kit". walesonline.
      34. "Super Rugby | Super 15 Rugby News,Results and Fixtures from Super XV Rugby". Super Rugby | Super 15 Rugby and Rugby Championship News,Results and Fixtures from Super XV Rugby.
      35. Cardiff to stay – icWales
      36. "The full truth about what's going on at Cardiff Blues as WRU takeover is considered". Walesonline. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
      37. "Cardiff Blues 5–14 Leicester". BBC News. 21 August 2009.
      38. Law, Peter (8 June 2012). "Cardiff Blues report operating loss of £2.3m for last year". walesonline. Retrieved 18 December 2019.
      39. "Cardiff Blues announce return to Arms Park". 8 May 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
      40. Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro14. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
      41. Doel, Jon (11 July 2012). "Xavier Rush relishing new coaching role at Cardiff Blues after injury ends playing career". walesonline. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
      42. "Mark Hammett named Cardiff Blues director of rugby". 18 May 2014. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
      43. "Cardiff Blues confirm Danny Wilson as new head coach". 11 June 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
      44. "Cardiff Blues: Australian John Mulvihill named new coach". 20 March 2018. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
      45. "Senior Squad". Cardiff Blues. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
      46. "Academy Squad". Cardiff Blues. 5 May 2019.
      47. "Lions Player Numbers". British & Irish Lions. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
      48. Did not qualify for the 2004–05 Celtic Cup. The tournament was stopped after the 2004–05 season.
      49. "Overall Stats". Archived from the original on 6 June 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2010.
      50. "Statistics - Rugby - Cardiff Blues - Official website : Team Statistics - European (Heineken Cup & Amlin Challenge Cup)". www.cardiffblues.com. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
      51. "ERC Elite Awards". Archived from the original on 4 August 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
      52. Heineken Champions Cup. "Cardiff Blues v Gloucester Rugby (Final) - Highlights – 11.05.2018". Retrieved 10 January 2019 – via YouTube.
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