Cardiff Blues Tickets

Cardiff Blues
Basic Info:
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team play at Cardiff Arms Park and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club. Cardiff Blues are responsible for developing rugby union in the city of Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, the eastern Glamorgan valleys and Breconshire.The Cardiff Blues compete in the Magners League, which includes teams from the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In addition, Cardiff Blues compete in the Anglo-Welsh EDF Energy Cup and European Heineken Cup. The club has qualified for the Heineken Cup every season, but has yet to win honors in one of their competitions.

History
Formation:
Until the beginning of the 2003-04 season, Welsh rugby was organized in a typical league pyramid, at the top of which were 9 professional clubs. The system was similar to the English Guinness 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. In a process activated by the then CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), David Moffett, the nine clubs began the process of organizing themselves into regional teams.

An agreement was reached whereby Cardiff RFC would be allowed to form a standaloneclub, meaning that they would not have to merge with any of the other 8 professional clubs. The official Cardiff Blues launch event took place at the Cardiff Hilton on 6 June 2003.

2005-06:
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 head-quarter was established at Hensol in the outskirts of Cardiff.

There was further reason for optimism when the Heineken Cup draw was announced. Cardiff Blues were matched with Italian minnows Calvisano, disreputably poor travelers USA Perpignan and the Leeds Tykes. Many believed that Cardiff Blues had a golden opportunity of finally making the Heineken Cup quarter finals.Results did not improve immediately. However in the pre-match 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.

Identity controversy:
There have been repeated calls for Cardiff Blues to drop the Cardiff part of their name in order to sever links with the old Cardiff RFC identity. Proponents of this idea point to the Super 14 tournament where teams such as the Bulls and Crusaders play with no geographic locator in their name. These calls intensified when the Celtic Warriors regional team was dissolved in 2004.

Regional responsibilities:
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 Blues employ development officers who work with schools and clubs across the region and run a rugby academy for elite players aged 16 and above.

Stadium
The Cardiff Blues currently play their home games at the Cardiff Arms Park, situated next to the Millennium Stadium, and for some bigger games, Cardiff Blues have played at the Millennium Stadium.Cardiff Blues and Cardiff City F.C. have both announced that they have signed a Heads of Terms agreement to see Cardiff Blues become tenants of the football club at the new 25,000 seat stadium. Cardiff Athletic Club, have recently voted overwhelmingly to support the move to the new stadium. The initial contract is for a 20-year license, however it is hoped that this will become a long term agreement.