Stcherbina, who dons the nickname Stitch, missed most of last season through injury and is clearly seen as surplus by Blues bosses, who have allowed him early release from his contract in order to make the move east to Newport.

Though he turns 32 in December, the Australia ‘A' cap was always influential in the Cardiff back line, and brought the best out of surrounding younger players. His greatest ability was to find the pass or space that seemingly wasn't there before, and though he lacked pace, his wise head was a contributing factor in many Blues tries between 2005 and 2008.

There are a few possible reasons for Stitch's departure, with the Blues chasing Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu, they would need to lower their number of nWq players before their arrival to keep in toe with the WRU's ruling. Another possibility could be an intervention from Wales boss Warren Gatland, who on the recent tour to South Africa, used Jamie Roberts very successfully at centre with Blues team mate, Tom Shanklin.

Marc leaves a void in the centre births for the next season, with Dai Young only having Shanklin, Gareth Thomas, Jamie Robinson and Daf Hewitt to choose from in the position, given that Roberts is a full back cum winger essentially, and new signing Ceri Sweeney has been told he will be primarily used as a 10.

Cardiff had already released Nick Macleod (Sale), Tom Riley (Newport RFC) and loanee Tal Selley in that position, meaning they go into 08/09 four men shy of last seasons kick off in the centre roles.

In other news, long serving prop John Yapp is hoping to save the region a few quid, he's transforming himself from a loose to tight head prop, in order to further his chances with the Blues and Wales. Cardiff currently have Tao' Felise and Gary Powell who can wear 3.

And number 8 Andy Powell is raring to go for next season. The 26 year old has missed nearly two year through injury, but recently declared,

"With me now, I just want to keep fit, keep playing well for the Blues and, if I'm playing well, I should be in with a shout. I don't think I've ever been so hungry for it."

But he'll have big competition for the jersey, with Blues captain Xavier Rush, Wales U20's captain Sam Warburton and Mark Lewis all gunning to be the man at the back of the scrum. Hopefully, it'll bring the best out of all the players involved.

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