Cardiff Blues squad and off-field updates.

by wales606 Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:07 pm

First topic message reminder :

It appears that the following players will be leaving the Blues at the end of the season

DEPARTURE

Gavin Henson - Sacked

TRThomas - Despite being given the captaincy a few times this season, Thomas is due to leave - He is one of the players who has been excellent for us, is available all year round and we should be building a team around him. But he is off to Wasps.

Gethin Jenkins - 1 of our 4 world class players is off to Toulon

Casey Laulaula - The second centre to go, he is off to Munster, despite being available all year round.

Dan Parks is off to Connacht

Ritchie Rees is going to Edinburgh

Deniol Jones is retired

Martyn Williams is retiring

Mamma Molitika is retiring

John Yapp is leaving to go to Edinburgh

Ben Blair has apparently been offered a contract in France, at Lyon and is leaving

Jamie Roberts will miss a large part of next season through injury

Paul Tito is retiring

Ryan Tyrell is returning to Australia

Xavier Rush has retired as a player due to injury

Justin Burnell has left with immediate effect

Richard Mustoe rumoured retirement

ARRIVING AND STAYING

Xavier Rush has become the next defence coach

Jason Tovey is the only new signing of any significance announced so far, from the Dragons

Robin Copeland is confirmed from Rotherham RFC - some good reports, a replacement for Molitika

Lou Reed is signing though from the Scarlets

And Gavin Evans has signed a new 2 year contract extension...woop Shocked

Benoit Bourrust a THP from Perpignan is arriving

Fijian LHP prop Campese Ma'afu has signed from Australian side West Harbour Pirates

Hooker Andi Kyriacou is being targeted from Ulster - confirmed

Ceri Sweeney is staying with the Blues with a contract extension

Fau Filise has signed a contract extension (Probably 1 year)

A new Director of Rugby Phil Davies has joined.

Alex Cuthbert has signed a 1 year extension

Rob Lewis confirmed coming at SH from London Welsh

Deniol Jones is now team manager

Lee Jarvis has been appointed skills coach

Squad for next season

Props
Sam Hobbs
Ma'afu Campese
Benoit Bourrust
Scott Andrews
Fau Filise
Ryan Hartford
Nathan Trevett
Thomas Davies

Hookers
Andy Kyricau
Kristian Dacey
Mark Breeze
Rhys Williams

Locks
Bradley Davies
Lou Reed
James Down
Cory Hill
McCauley Cook
Matthew Screech

Backrow
Michael Paterson
Robin Copeland
Sam Warburton
Josh Navidi
Andreus Pretorious
Ellis Jenkins
Thomas Young
Luke Hamilton

Scrum Halfs
Lloyd Williams
Rob Lewis
Lewis Jones

Fly Halfs
Jason Tovey
Ceri Sweeney
Rhys Patchell

Centres
Jamie Roberts
Daffydd Hewitt
Gavin Evans
Cory Allen
Owen Williams

Back 3
Alex Cuthbert
Tom James
Leigh Halfpenny
Dan Fish
Chris Czekaj
Harry Robinson

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 17, 2012 10:09 am

Morgannwg wrote:Dave, the 'Region' seems to have always been built on sand. There was no planning for the future and there is still little of that. Now you have an average team with even worse back-up players. No noteable signings to improve the strength or depth of the team. Tovey aside, he is a very good player. The move should see him actually get a Wales cap.

Tovey has talent, but I don't wish him to be on the back foot behind an average pack which looks like how it's going to be. Nicky Robinson had to deal with that rubbish for years.
Cardiff Blues need a change at the top. A total clearout actually. And good riddance too. Not before time.

by Morgannwg Sat Mar 17, 2012 10:19 am

Agree.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 17, 2012 10:39 am

wales606 wrote:John Yapp is off too by the sounds of it - http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/top-rugby-stories/michael-bradley-bolsters-his-edinburgh-pack-1-2177208

No props next season then.

The CCS nightmare continues unabated.
TRT leaving was a shock and now Yapp.
These aren't players who are going to command huge salaries elsewhere and are part of the Cardiff furniture with experience we should do the utmost to retain.
Cardiff Blues are really in the mire. Was it predicted? Yes it was.
Did those in charge listen or give a tinker's? Naarh.
Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:49 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is.

Really? Why? I appreciate that things are loking grim at the moment, but shouldn't fans turn up no matter what. Also with the national side doing so well, I would have thought that the CCS would be neigh on full with the feel-good fans wanting to see a glimpse of the GS heroes (even thought they probably won't be playing)

by Guest Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:01 pm

"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

by Smirnoffpriest Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:28 pm

rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

+1

by Smirnoffpriest Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:29 pm

If it's true that Yapp is leaving then hopefully the Blues have already eyeballed a young replacement so it wouldn't really hurt the blues as much.

But they do need to announce some signings (and contract extensions to current players) before the time the season tickets go on sale for next season...

by Cardiff Dave Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:22 am

Smirnoffpriest wrote:If it's true that Yapp is leaving then hopefully the Blues have already eyeballed a young replacement so it wouldn't really hurt the blues as much.

But they do need to announce some signings (and contract extensions to current players) before the time the season tickets go on sale for next season...

Why do you care who they sign?

by wales606 Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:43 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
Smirnoffpriest wrote:If it's true that Yapp is leaving then hopefully the Blues have already eyeballed a young replacement so it wouldn't really hurt the blues as much.

But they do need to announce some signings (and contract extensions to current players) before the time the season tickets go on sale for next season...

Why do you care who they sign?

Why shouldn't he?

I hope the Ospreys/Scarlets/Dragons make good signings aswell.

by wales606 Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:44 am

Smirnoffpriest wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

+1

+2

by Cardiff Dave Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:48 am

rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

From the Scarlet fever forum. A Cardiff Blues season ticket holder giving up his already paid for season ticket to a Turk.

"Definitely Mike. Got my ticket sorted as my housemate is boycotting so i'm taking his season ticket!"

Is it disgraceful or is there something not making sense? Should this person giving up his full price season ticket be ashamed? Many on here should delve a bit deeper before accusing people of this that and the other, but nevertheless ask the question, why.
Rugbydreamer; has to be played at CCS; CAP too small? You what? Are you suggesting higher ticket prices? Good idea, just like Leicester.

"Talk about not backing your team."
It's a bit more important than that.

by Cardiff Dave Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:54 am

wales606 wrote:
Smirnoffpriest wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

+1

+2

Good on you 606, but haven't you read Smirnhoff's posts before?
Maybe you should. Context makes sense.

by Cardiff Dave Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:01 am

wales606 wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
Smirnoffpriest wrote:If it's true that Yapp is leaving then hopefully the Blues have already eyeballed a young replacement so it wouldn't really hurt the blues as much.

But they do need to announce some signings (and contract extensions to current players) before the time the season tickets go on sale for next season...

Why do you care who they sign?

Why shouldn't he?

I hope the Ospreys/Scarlets/Dragons make good signings aswell.

I bet Leicester fans hope that Northampton make some good signings too coz they are both English clubs.
Doubt it though.
It's a Welsh thing isn't it 606.

by wales606 Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:03 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:
Smirnoffpriest wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

+1

+2

Good on you 606, but haven't you read Smirnhoff's posts before?
Maybe you should. Context makes sense.

What posts? - Smirnhoff was mearly approving of dreamers comment - which I also approve of.

Deliberately boycotting games at CCS will not help things - It will lower the clubs income and badly effect the players (playing without any supporters will worsen the performance and make them more likely to leave for clubs with better supporters - and hence want more pay to stay etc). Even if it results in a move back to CAP, the Blues will be so broke by the time they move (and will still have the CCS contract to pay), they will end up in even more serious trouble.

Potential bankruptcy for the club is not good for Blues supporters or any welsh rugby supporter - so any Wales supporter has a right to question the way the club is being run, or to question the decision of supporters who stay away when the team plays at a different ground a few miles down the road.

Some supporters need to stop romanticising the CAP - It is the best option ONLY because it is the cheapest.

by wales606 Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:06 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
Smirnoffpriest wrote:If it's true that Yapp is leaving then hopefully the Blues have already eyeballed a young replacement so it wouldn't really hurt the blues as much.

But they do need to announce some signings (and contract extensions to current players) before the time the season tickets go on sale for next season...

Why do you care who they sign?

Why shouldn't he?

I hope the Ospreys/Scarlets/Dragons make good signings aswell.

I bet Leicester fans hope that Northampton make some good signings too coz they are both English clubs.
Doubt it though.
It's a Welsh thing isn't it 606.

English supporters tend to support English teams in the HC, and want them to do well. The same doesn't really apply to their domestic competition, as they are all English teams.

I will support any Welsh region in the Rabo over their Irish/Scottish/Italian opposition.

I support...
Wales
Blues
Scarlets
Dragons
Ospreys
Anyone playing England Wink

The underdog

by Cardiff Dave Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:22 am

wales606 wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:
Smirnoffpriest wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

+1

+2

Good on you 606, but haven't you read Smirnhoff's posts before?
Maybe you should. Context makes sense.

What posts? - Smirnhoff was mearly approving of dreamers comment - which I also approve of.

Deliberately boycotting games at CCS will not help things - It will lower the clubs income and badly effect the players (playing without any supporters will worsen the performance and make them more likely to leave for clubs with better supporters - and hence want more pay to stay etc). Even if it results in a move back to CAP, the Blues will be so broke by the time they move (and will still have the CCS contract to pay), they will end up in even more serious trouble.

Potential bankruptcy for the club is not good for Blues supporters or any welsh rugby supporter - so any Wales supporter has a right to question the way the club is being run, or to question the decision of supporters who stay away when the team plays at a different ground a few miles down the road.

Some supporters need to stop romanticising the CAP - It is the best option ONLY because it is the cheapest.

Smirnhoff persistently slags off Cardiff Blues for some reason. Don't know why.
The CCS deal is crippling the club as you very well know and the costs this season on top of the rent rocketed.
Accounts will be out shortly. Lost £2,000,000 in one season apparently. Not good.
A missing few thousand punters on the gate will make no difference whatsoever.
It's got nowt to do with the ground being a few miles down the road either. That's the biggest red herring of all in this sorry saga.
Bedtime.

by Cardiff Dave Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:39 am

wales606 wrote:

English supporters tend to support English teams in the HC, and want them to do well. The same doesn't really apply to their domestic competition, as they are all English teams.

I will support any Welsh region in the Rabo over their Irish/Scottish/Italian opposition.

So you would root for the O's say against Ulster, even though if they won Cardiff Blues would miss out on the play offs?

by Cardiff Dave Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:57 am

wales606 wrote:

Deliberately boycotting games at CCS will not help things -

Haven't gone to bed yet, but the boycotting is very real. It's happening whether we like it or not.
Not only that, new fans aren't appearing in enough numbers anyway. Never have.
Those in charge are to blame for the mess and there is no point in us arguing amongst ourselves on message boards and blaming each other.
THEY need to sort it out pronto or Cardiff Blues are well and truly knackered.

by wales606 Thu Mar 22, 2012 12:11 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:

English supporters tend to support English teams in the HC, and want them to do well. The same doesn't really apply to their domestic competition, as they are all English teams.

I will support any Welsh region in the Rabo over their Irish/Scottish/Italian opposition.

So you would root for the O's say against Ulster, even though if they won Cardiff Blues would miss out on the play offs?

Always a difficult one - I tend to not mind who wins in those cases

by Guest Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:20 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

From the Scarlet fever forum. A Cardiff Blues season ticket holder giving up his already paid for season ticket to a Turk.

"Definitely Mike. Got my ticket sorted as my housemate is boycotting so i'm taking his season ticket!"

Is it disgraceful or is there something not making sense? Should this person giving up his full price season ticket be ashamed? Many on here should delve a bit deeper before accusing people of this that and the other, but nevertheless ask the question, why.
Rugbydreamer; has to be played at CCS; CAP too small? You what? Are you suggesting higher ticket prices? Good idea, just like Leicester.

"Talk about not backing your team."
It's a bit more important than that.

What are the Blues players going to think then, when they walk out in their home stadium, to see whole rows of scarlet shirts, so hear the Scarlet songs being belted out, to hear the Scarlets fans chearing...and practically none of their own? It's basically giving away any home advantage.

There may be bigger issues, but the BLues have already come out and said they'll play most of the cames now at CAP but the derby games at CCS. CAP is not big enough, even if it was done up again, to stage a derby match now.

I think it's ridiculous fans are going to punish their players in this way by not going to support them, when they've already made the board agree to move most games back to CAP. I'm sorry, but I honestly find such fan/supporter behaviour disgusting.

by gowales Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:40 am

rugbydreamer wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

From the Scarlet fever forum. A Cardiff Blues season ticket holder giving up his already paid for season ticket to a Turk.

"Definitely Mike. Got my ticket sorted as my housemate is boycotting so i'm taking his season ticket!"

Is it disgraceful or is there something not making sense? Should this person giving up his full price season ticket be ashamed? Many on here should delve a bit deeper before accusing people of this that and the other, but nevertheless ask the question, why.
Rugbydreamer; has to be played at CCS; CAP too small? You what? Are you suggesting higher ticket prices? Good idea, just like Leicester.

"Talk about not backing your team."
It's a bit more important than that.

What are the Blues players going to think then, when they walk out in their home stadium, to see whole rows of scarlet shirts, so hear the Scarlet songs being belted out, to hear the Scarlets fans chearing...and practically none of their own? It's basically giving away any home advantage.

There may be bigger issues, but the BLues have already come out and said they'll play most of the cames now at CAP but the derby games at CCS. CAP is not big enough, even if it was done up again, to stage a derby match now.

I think it's ridiculous fans are going to punish their players in this way by not going to support them, when they've already made the board agree to move most games back to CAP. I'm sorry, but I honestly find such fan/supporter behaviour disgusting.

Really? because they only got 10,000 for the Dragons, the Ospreys only got around 12,000 for the Scarlets and 11,000 for the Blues, Scarlets got a full house for the Ospreys (but its only around 14,800). Derby matches don't really attract that many fans in Wales, it's not like they need to be played 20,000+ stadiums.

Maybe they should just play them in the CAP, at least there will be a decent atmosphere then.

by wales606 Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:50 am

gowales wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

From the Scarlet fever forum. A Cardiff Blues season ticket holder giving up his already paid for season ticket to a Turk.

"Definitely Mike. Got my ticket sorted as my housemate is boycotting so i'm taking his season ticket!"

Is it disgraceful or is there something not making sense? Should this person giving up his full price season ticket be ashamed? Many on here should delve a bit deeper before accusing people of this that and the other, but nevertheless ask the question, why.
Rugbydreamer; has to be played at CCS; CAP too small? You what? Are you suggesting higher ticket prices? Good idea, just like Leicester.

"Talk about not backing your team."
It's a bit more important than that.

What are the Blues players going to think then, when they walk out in their home stadium, to see whole rows of scarlet shirts, so hear the Scarlet songs being belted out, to hear the Scarlets fans chearing...and practically none of their own? It's basically giving away any home advantage.

There may be bigger issues, but the BLues have already come out and said they'll play most of the cames now at CAP but the derby games at CCS. CAP is not big enough, even if it was done up again, to stage a derby match now.

I think it's ridiculous fans are going to punish their players in this way by not going to support them, when they've already made the board agree to move most games back to CAP. I'm sorry, but I honestly find such fan/supporter behaviour disgusting.

Really? because they only got 10,000 for the Dragons, the Ospreys only got around 12,000 for the Scarlets and 11,000 for the Blues, Scarlets got a full house for the Ospreys (but its only around 14,800). Derby matches don't really attract that many fans in Wales, it's not like they need to be played 20,000+ stadiums.

Maybe they should just play them in the CAP, at least there will be a decent atmosphere then.

Blues got 24,000 for the O's derby last season.

by gowales Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:59 am

wales606 wrote:

Blues got 24,000 for the O's derby last season.

But that was last year though. This year you barely had 2,000 for an LV cup game

by gowales Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:11 am

Ok maybe for Ospreys games but who else is going to attract a big crowd?

by Guest Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:13 am

all of those figures are over the 9,000 limit CAP has at the moment. So honestly, how can the game be played there?

by gowales Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:17 am

I thought the CAP's capacity was 12,500, only temporarily 9,000. If they start playing there more regularly wont it go back to full capacity? If not then yeah, i guess they should play the games that warrant a bigger crowd at the CCS.

by Guest Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:30 am

And that's what they're doing gowales, yet their fans are still boycotting them. You've got to feel for the players. Really can't understand it.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:39 am

rugbydreamer wrote:

What are the Blues players going to think then, when they walk out in their home stadium, to see whole rows of scarlet shirts, so hear the Scarlet songs being belted out, to hear the Scarlets fans chearing...and practically none of their own? It's basically giving away any home advantage.

There may be bigger issues, but the BLues have already come out and said they'll play most of the cames now at CAP but the derby games at CCS. CAP is not big enough, even if it was done up again, to stage a derby match now.

I think it's ridiculous fans are going to punish their players in this way by not going to support them, when they've already made the board agree to move most games back to CAP. I'm sorry, but I honestly find such fan/supporter behaviour disgusting.

The players, to a man, want to return to CAP. The tv interviews with players at the Ulster game should have told you that.
Fans, supporters, casuals, neutrals and even away supporters would prefer it if they returned to CAP.
The city centre is good for business. Look where the MS is located.
The players understand what is going on and why we moved to CCS in the first place.
Boycotting games to make our feelings known is a small price to pay as the bigger issue is securing a competitive rugby team in the capital.
If you think all this is easy and many of us don't care then think again.
You do realise that a number of members of the board of directors want Cardiff Blues to return to CAP? Did you know that? Some, so I understand didn't want to move in the first place and thought it was a bad idea. Well they've been proven right.

Let's not forget that Sam Warburton grew up watching his team at Cardiff Arms Park and Jamie Roberts loves the place.
So it's not about punishing the current players. Some, like Sam and Jamie were merely fans, roughing it on the terrace not that many years ago.

by wales606 Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:42 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:

What are the Blues players going to think then, when they walk out in their home stadium, to see whole rows of scarlet shirts, so hear the Scarlet songs being belted out, to hear the Scarlets fans chearing...and practically none of their own? It's basically giving away any home advantage.

There may be bigger issues, but the BLues have already come out and said they'll play most of the cames now at CAP but the derby games at CCS. CAP is not big enough, even if it was done up again, to stage a derby match now.

I think it's ridiculous fans are going to punish their players in this way by not going to support them, when they've already made the board agree to move most games back to CAP. I'm sorry, but I honestly find such fan/supporter behaviour disgusting.

The players, to a man, want to return to CAP. The tv interviews with players at the Ulster game should have told you that.
Fans, supporters, casuals, neutrals and even away supporters would prefer it if they returned to CAP.
The city centre is good for business. Look where the MS is located.
The players understand what is going on and why we moved to CCS in the first place.
Boycotting games to make our feelings known is a small price to pay as the bigger issue is securing a competitive rugby team in the capital.
If you think all this is easy and many of us don't care then think again.
You do realise that a number of members of the board of directors want Cardiff Blues to return to CAP? Did you know that? Some, so I understand didn't want to move in the first place and thought it was a bad idea. Well they've been proven right.

Let's not forget that Sam Warburton grew up watching his team at Cardiff Arms Park and Jamie Roberts loves the place.
So it's not about punishing the current players. Some, like Sam and Jamie were merely fans, roughing it on the terrace not that many years ago.

The move to CAP is already happening - but they still have to play for the CCS - so they need to have big games there, and big crowd if they hope to keep up the rent.

When the Blues moved to the Millennium for the HC quarter vs toulouse, did you not go out of protest for it not being at CAP?

by Guest Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:44 am

The Blues have already agreed to move most games back to the CAP, only the derby's will be played for now at CCS!

Geez, the fans have got what they want, and they're still boycotting this match against the Scarlets?

I'm sorry, I just don't understand that.

by wales606 Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:47 am

rugbydreamer wrote:The Blues have already agreed to move most games back to the CAP, only the derby's will be played for now at CCS!

Geez, the some of ~~fans~~ "fans" have got what they want, and they're still boycotting this match against the Scarlets?

I'm sorry, I just don't understand that.

by Guest Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:49 am

well fixed

by Liam Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:54 am

Hopefully, in an ideal world, they could get 12-15,000 down there for the game tomorrow. Saturday night 6:30 and massive game in the context of the play offs for both sides.

Wales' grand slam heroes playing, Cuthbert, Williams, Owens and Shingler and others. Really hoping for a big turnout, I would go but i'm busy tomorrow night, but fingers crossed when I watch the highlights on s4c Sunday morning i'll see a good crowd.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:56 am

rugbydreamer wrote:And that's what they're doing gowales, yet their fans are still boycotting them. You've got to feel for the players. Really can't understand it.

Don't forget the casuals, neutrals and simple opportunistic rugby goers who are in abundance in the city centre on a Friday night or Saturday evening.
A short 10 or 5min walk to CAP from the pub of their choice used to be a minor inconvenience.
Add a queue for a bus to CCS, a less than attractive experience at Leckwith plus a good wait to get back to where they were previously warm and comfortable with the game on the tele anyway, well what can you expect? Many will not bother and that has proven to be the case.

If you still can't understand it rugbydreamer you must be living in a cave, have no incling of what's been going on for many, many years at Cardiff and haven't been told stuff by a Cardiff RFC Director.
Am I right?

by Guest Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:00 am

Not really, unless you think Cardiff is a cave? I've been living here for four years.

I think it's great that the games are coming back to CAP, I much preferred it when they were there in the first place.

My point is, the decision has already been made that most games bar the really big oens (as the fans wont fit!) are going to be played back at CAP.The "fans" (don't want to accidently label the likes of wales606 again in with them) have got what they wanted.

Don't understand why they are still boycotting. It just looks like poor support to me.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:11 am

rugbydreamer wrote:The Blues have already agreed to move most games back to the CAP, only the derby's will be played for now at CCS!

Geez, the fans have got what they want, and they're still boycotting this match against the Scarlets?

I'm sorry, I just don't understand that.

They haven't agreed anything yet.
Rent and rising costs at CCS; they simply cannot afford the expense. They have to negotiate a get out or a more preferential deal.
Please stop blaming the fans. It is not their fault Cardiff Blues are in the mess they are. Most fans were against the move in the first place and were not consulted either.
In recent years (the last 2) the predicted worries and concerns about the move have shown up big time.
FFS all of the Cardiff Blues fans could go along to all games and Cardiff Blues would still be massively in the red.

by Guest Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:18 am

They have agreed to play their games at CAP bar the derby games though and some of the Heineken ones, there was an article on the Beeb.

Looks to me the fans have made their point, got their way, and yet still they're boycotting? I'm sorry, I don't understand that bit.

I applaud them for doing what they think is right for the region, but it honestly looks like they've got their way now, so can't understand why they are still staying away.

by wales606 Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:27 am

Basically, the whole mess the Blues are in goes down to this...

1. Blues reach the semi final of the HC and pretty much sell out the millenium for the 1/4 and semi

2. Blues have the largest home support of all of the welsh regions

3. The CAP only has a capacity of 12k, and is falling down.

4. (partially) PT sees the value in buying the CAP and redeveloping it

5. There is a big new stadium down the road in Leckwith which CCFC is willing to ground share

6. The board think "yeah, we can massively increase our revenue and fan base - build on the success on the team, make the buiseness sustainable and use the money to once again be a powerhouse in Europe"

7. Good idea, in theory

8. Half the so called "fans" decide that they love the CAP and never want to move - so refuse to support their own team because they are at a different ground.

9. THe Blues are forced to appeal to move fairweather fans and put on ticket deal and special events to attract them - this is helped by a Amlin win, crowds are around the 10k level - which keeps the board happy

10. The "atmosphere" in the CCS isn't as good with the large number of families attending - this puts off more of the long term rugby "fans"

11. Attendance drops below 10k as the fair weather fans start to disperse due to poor results, but more importantly, not the champagne rugby that they played in the EDF final, HC semi and to some extent, the Amlin win.

12. Blues don't have the money to make new signings in the summer, the team's performances decline futher - now there are less real fans left

13. Without champagne rugby, the Blues need to boost attendances and try to recoup hemorrhaging costs.

14. The Blues have to move back to the CAP to try to bring back the "fans" - who don't mind boring rugby, so long as it is not played down the road.

15. Blues now have two rents to pay, two sets of fans - both of which are unhappy with the club, and each other

16. The Blues are still losing and the chairman wants out, and his money back. The CAP does not have the capacity to recoup losses

17. The directors think "well, we have satisfied the "fans" maybe we can move the big games to CCS to try to balance the books"

18. The "fans" stage a boycott, despite getting what they want

............... Possible end result...............

19. Major financial meltdown, PT walks away with what he can carry

20. Administration

21. Bail out by the WRU, or the end of the Blues as we know it now.

..................................................................................................................

To sum up. The problems on and off the field are not mainly due to the players or the board - they are almost entirely down to the "fans" who refused to travel down the road to watch "THEIR" team play.

If they had, then we could be looking at a very successful club on a strong financial footing - allowing it to maintain the success and keep the fairweather supporters, allowing more and more growth, and over time, increasing the level of real fans, as the younger generation get involved in a successful regional environment = a sustainable business.

So yeah, good work "fans"

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:28 am

rugbydreamer wrote:Not really, unless you think Cardiff is a cave? I've been living here for four years.

I think it's great that the games are coming back to CAP, I much preferred it when they were there in the first place.

My point is, the decision has already been made that most games bar the really big oens (as the fans wont fit!) are going to be played back at CAP.The "fans" (don't want to accidently label the likes of wales606 again in with them) have got what they wanted.

Don't understand why they are still boycotting. It just looks like poor support to me.

Market cheap tickets, gimmicks, free travel (not forgetting the freebies which the not long gone financial director denied they existed) and you're right, CAP isn't big enough, possibly. I forgot to mention ticket vouchers. Nevermind.

Poor support? It must appear very, VERY poor to those looking in.
There is however an under current and there is £££ waiting in the wings so I gather.
But Thomas and his team have to go as well as the crippling CCS deal.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:29 am

gowales wrote:
wales606 wrote:

Blues got 24,000 for the O's derby last season.

But that was last year though. This year you barely had 2,000 for an LV cup game

41 tickets were sold apparently.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:40 am

wales606 wrote:
When the Blues moved to the Millennium for the HC quarter vs toulouse, did you not go out of protest for it not being at CAP?

No because the club would have made a lot of money.
Pool games we used to kick up a fuss.
Cardiff RFC had an agreement with WRU to have a free game at MS since it is latched on to CAP etc.
Not sure if that is still the case, but I would guess it is.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:54 am

wales606 wrote:Basically, the whole mess the Blues are in goes down to this...

1. Blues reach the semi final of the HC and pretty much sell out the millenium for the 1/4 and semi

2. Blues have the largest home support of all of the welsh regions

3. The CAP only has a capacity of 12k, and is falling down.

4. (partially) PT sees the value in buying the CAP and redeveloping it

5. There is a big new stadium down the road in Leckwith which CCFC is willing to ground share

6. The board think "yeah, we can massively increase our revenue and fan base - build on the success on the team, make the buiseness sustainable and use the money to once again be a powerhouse in Europe"

7. Good idea, in theory

8. Half the so called "fans" decide that they love the CAP and never want to move - so refuse to support their own team because they are at a different ground.

9. THe Blues are forced to appeal to move fairweather fans and put on ticket deal and special events to attract them - this is helped by a Amlin win, crowds are around the 10k level - which keeps the board happy

10. The "atmosphere" in the CCS isn't as good with the large number of families attending - this puts off more of the long term rugby "fans"

11. Attendance drops below 10k as the fair weather fans start to disperse due to poor results, but more importantly, not the champagne rugby that they played in the EDF final, HC semi and to some extent, the Amlin win.

12. Blues don't have the money to make new signings in the summer, the team's performances decline futher - now there are less real fans left

13. Without champagne rugby, the Blues need to boost attendances and try to recoup hemorrhaging costs.

14. The Blues have to move back to the CAP to try to bring back the "fans" - who don't mind boring rugby, so long as it is not played down the road.

15. Blues now have two rents to pay, two sets of fans - both of which are unhappy with the club, and each other

16. The Blues are still losing and the chairman wants out, and his money back. The CAP does not have the capacity to recoup losses

17. The directors think "well, we have satisfied the "fans" maybe we can move the big games to CCS to try to balance the books"

18. The "fans" stage a boycott, despite getting what they want

............... Possible end result...............

19. Major financial meltdown, PT walks away with what he can carry

20. Administration

21. Bail out by the WRU, or the end of the Blues as we know it now.

..................................................................................................................

To sum up. The problems on and off the field are not mainly due to the players or the board - they are almost entirely down to the "fans" who refused to travel down the road to watch "THEIR" team play.

If they had, then we could be looking at a very successful club on a strong financial footing - allowing it to maintain the success and keep the fairweather supporters, allowing more and more growth, and over time, increasing the level of real fans, as the younger generation get involved in a successful regional environment = a sustainable business.

So yeah, good work "fans"

Way to go 606. Blame the fans, whoever and how many they are.
It's all their fault. Of course it is.
Aren't they the customer though?

by wales606 Sat Mar 24, 2012 11:00 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:Basically, the whole mess the Blues are in goes down to this...

1. Blues reach the semi final of the HC and pretty much sell out the millenium for the 1/4 and semi

2. Blues have the largest home support of all of the welsh regions

3. The CAP only has a capacity of 12k, and is falling down.

4. (partially) PT sees the value in buying the CAP and redeveloping it

5. There is a big new stadium down the road in Leckwith which CCFC is willing to ground share

6. The board think "yeah, we can massively increase our revenue and fan base - build on the success on the team, make the buiseness sustainable and use the money to once again be a powerhouse in Europe"

7. Good idea, in theory

8. Half the so called "fans" decide that they love the CAP and never want to move - so refuse to support their own team because they are at a different ground.

9. THe Blues are forced to appeal to move fairweather fans and put on ticket deal and special events to attract them - this is helped by a Amlin win, crowds are around the 10k level - which keeps the board happy

10. The "atmosphere" in the CCS isn't as good with the large number of families attending - this puts off more of the long term rugby "fans"

11. Attendance drops below 10k as the fair weather fans start to disperse due to poor results, but more importantly, not the champagne rugby that they played in the EDF final, HC semi and to some extent, the Amlin win.

12. Blues don't have the money to make new signings in the summer, the team's performances decline futher - now there are less real fans left

13. Without champagne rugby, the Blues need to boost attendances and try to recoup hemorrhaging costs.

14. The Blues have to move back to the CAP to try to bring back the "fans" - who don't mind boring rugby, so long as it is not played down the road.

15. Blues now have two rents to pay, two sets of fans - both of which are unhappy with the club, and each other

16. The Blues are still losing and the chairman wants out, and his money back. The CAP does not have the capacity to recoup losses

17. The directors think "well, we have satisfied the "fans" maybe we can move the big games to CCS to try to balance the books"

18. The "fans" stage a boycott, despite getting what they want

............... Possible end result...............

19. Major financial meltdown, PT walks away with what he can carry

20. Administration

21. Bail out by the WRU, or the end of the Blues as we know it now.

..................................................................................................................

To sum up. The problems on and off the field are not mainly due to the players or the board - they are almost entirely down to the "fans" who refused to travel down the road to watch "THEIR" team play.

If they had, then we could be looking at a very successful club on a strong financial footing - allowing it to maintain the success and keep the fairweather supporters, allowing more and more growth, and over time, increasing the level of real fans, as the younger generation get involved in a successful regional environment = a sustainable business.

So yeah, good work "fans"

Way to go 606. Blame the fans, whoever and how many they are.
It's all their fault. Of course it is.
Aren't they the customer though?

No, the fans are the customers, the ones who are at CCS every week - the "fans" are the ones who refuse to go to games at the CCS even though that's where "their" team has been playing for the last 2 seasons.

Just a pity there are too many "fans" and not enough fans.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 24, 2012 11:26 am

wales606 wrote:

No, the fans are the customers, the ones who are at CCS every week - the "fans" are the ones who refuse to go to games at the CCS even though that's where "their" team has been playing for the last 2 seasons.

Just a pity there are too many "fans" and not enough fans.

You're angry.
I can tell.
I am too.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:41 pm

rugbydreamer wrote:They have agreed to play their games at CAP bar the derby games though and some of the Heineken ones, there was an article on the Beeb.

Looks to me the fans have made their point, got their way, and yet still they're boycotting? I'm sorry, I don't understand that bit.

I applaud them for doing what they think is right for the region, but it honestly looks like they've got their way now, so can't understand why they are still staying away.

Again, THEY haven't agreed anything.
THEY, being a few individuals.
Hope it's sorted before next season as this Poopie has been bubbling away for far too long.
Since 2005/6 I think.

by Cardiff Dave Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:51 am

rugbydreamer wrote:This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it?

8337 was the official attendance tonight.
They marketed this game to the hilt and have failed miserably.
Knock me and the "fans" who don't bother, as much as you like, but the fact is Cardiff Blues simply cannot survive while they are strangled by CCS.
The bigger picture is that Welsh rugby as a whole is losing out since Cardiff Blues are having to spend extravagent amounts of money being at CCS when they should be spending it on developing our youth and keeping our internationals in Wales.

by Guest Sun Mar 25, 2012 3:58 pm

well of course it failed if "fans" were boycotting it. I had an absolutely great time there, it's amazing what a bit of singing can do for the atmosphere.

by Shifty Sun Mar 25, 2012 5:00 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:From the Scarlet fever forum. A Cardiff Blues season ticket holder giving up his already paid for season ticket to a Turk.

"Definitely Mike. Got my ticket sorted as my housemate is boycotting so i'm taking his season ticket!"

Is it disgraceful or is there something not making sense? Should this person giving up his full price season ticket be ashamed? Many on here should delve a bit deeper before accusing people of this that and the other, but nevertheless ask the question, why.
Rugbydreamer; has to be played at CCS; CAP too small? You what? Are you suggesting higher ticket prices? Good idea, just like Leicester.

"Talk about not backing your team."
It's a bit more important than that.

I don't agree with your reasoning, if you were a fan of the Star Wars series and go to the cinema to see the films when released if you hear the latest film is rubbish are you no longer a fan just because you don't go to the cinema to see it? At the end of the day supporters spend their money, and use their free time to go an be entertained and enjoy themselves, if the value and enjoyment isn't there, then that is the clubs fault not the fans.

Cardiff Blues are by far the most expensive region to support, even at the Ospreys there are so many fans around me who are season ticket holders who are simply not there anymore, their tickets are paid for, but they just aren't coming to the games. From an Ospreys perspective do we blame the fans? Or do we point the finger at the management in saying we've been bored stiff most of the season with a team showing little or no attacking intent, and their only game plan seems to of been to play for scrums, did the board listen when fans wanted a change of coaching at the end of last season? No they kept them on, then offered them new 4 year deals, then let them go a few months later! steam

I prefer to travel to games and watch the game live, but I would still class someone as a supporter if they choose to stay at home at watch it on the tv instead. there could be many reasons why they choose to do so, not to mention cost and not wanting to be freezing their back sides off!

by manofgwent Sun Mar 25, 2012 7:01 pm

I'm with Dave. I don't understand the love in on here sometimes. Why would you hope that other regions sign good players??? Are Bath fans pleased that Ben Morgan has gone to Gloucester??
It's gone down like a sack of Poopie that Tovey has gone to our biggest rival! He's misread the situation and keeps moaning on Twitter that he's not gonna put a Dragons jersey on again. Good. I'm glad. I never support another region and I wouldn't expect fans of other regions to support mine. I was praying for a Scarlets win last night, because the Dragons have have a very slight chance of making the HC. We have Connacht and Treviso at home. While the Blues go to Glasgow next week and the way they're playing we have a glimpse. To say I'd laugh if the Dragons got into the HC instead of the Blues would be an understatement!! Jason Tovey has joined to play in the H and and get into the Welsh squad. I would love it if he was playing behind another poor pack against Cavallieri Prato in the Amlin. Love it!!

by Smirnoffpriest Tue Mar 27, 2012 6:38 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:
Smirnoffpriest wrote:
rugbydreamer wrote:"Is there a concerted effort amongst Cardiff supporters not to attend the up and coming game against the Scarlets at CCS? Yes there is."

If that's true then I'm sorry, that's disgraseful, and those "supporters" should be ashamed of themselves. This game has to be played at the CCS, the CAP is too small for this fixture, what's the point in boycotting it? Talk about not backing your team.

+1

+2

Good on you 606, but haven't you read Smirnhoff's posts before?
Maybe you should. Context makes sense.

What posts? - Smirnhoff was mearly approving of dreamers comment - which I also approve of.

Deliberately boycotting games at CCS will not help things - It will lower the clubs income and badly effect the players (playing without any supporters will worsen the performance and make them more likely to leave for clubs with better supporters - and hence want more pay to stay etc). Even if it results in a move back to CAP, the Blues will be so broke by the time they move (and will still have the CCS contract to pay), they will end up in even more serious trouble.

Potential bankruptcy for the club is not good for Blues supporters or any welsh rugby supporter - so any Wales supporter has a right to question the way the club is being run, or to question the decision of supporters who stay away when the team plays at a different ground a few miles down the road.

Some supporters need to stop romanticising the CAP - It is the best option ONLY because it is the cheapest.

Smirnhoff persistently slags off Cardiff Blues for some reason. Don't know why.
The CCS deal is crippling the club as you very well know and the costs this season on top of the rent rocketed.
Accounts will be out shortly. Lost £2,000,000 in one season apparently. Not good.
A missing few thousand punters on the gate will make no difference whatsoever.
It's got nowt to do with the ground being a few miles down the road either. That's the biggest red herring of all in this sorry saga.
Bedtime.

I don't consistently slag off the Blues - I've said I go and support the Blues when I can't get down to the Scarlets as I live in Cardiff, I've also said I want to see them do well - hence my comment that I hope they sign a good replacement for Yapp and make some signings before the release of next years season tickets (so they can generate excitement and anticipation among fans and have a competitive squad).

The thing that annoys me is fans that are intent on bring down all the clubs/regions and helping destroy the Welsh game with their negativity and continue to believe they still live in the pre-regional game (a time so wonderful and sound that most clubs and the WRU were on their knees and avg attendances were still pretty poor).
I can understand boycotting games if there was a massive change proposed (such as Wasps moving out of - and back in to - London), but to boycott because you don't like a stadium even when the board has bowed to fan pressure and moved games back to the old stadium seems a bit self defeating. You want the Blues to be back competing at the top (and their not far off), but they are struggling with money, playing disinterestedly with no atmosphere in the stadium - so the answer if for even more fans to stay away so that the away fans outnumber the home, the region loose more money, meaning they can't make as many signings and will struggle to attract sponsors to keep the region afloat.

End result P Thomas packs it in, the Blues fold and the fans have to support Cardiff RFC as a feeder club to the Dragons.

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