Jamie's decision to leave the Arms Park for pastures new has left fans reeling, as the highly talented centre is allowed to leave the Principality and has never been given a fair International chance.

Still just 28, Robinson has been celebrating his 10 years with Cardiff RFC and the Cardiff Blues with a testimonial season. Having come through the same Cardiff youth team as Rhys Williams, Ryan and Gary Powell, Craig Morgan and a host of other familiar names, Robinson quickly settled in the team after his debut on his 19^th birthday.

Jamie enjoyed perhaps his best year with the Blues in 03/04, scoring 14 tries in 24 appearances, and becoming the Magner's League Top Try scorer for the season with 12 from 18. He began to push on for a regular Wales place, but an injury the following season saw him play just 1 competitive match in 04/05.

The emergence of Jamie Roberts as a top quality centre have left Robinson as second choice at outside centre, while it's thought his patience with the Welsh national squad has worn too thin for him to consider staying in the Principality.

Jamie today spoke out for the first time about his decision;

"This has been the most difficult decision I've had to make in my life so far. I'm eternally grateful for the support both Cardiff RFC and the Cardiff Blues have given me over the last 11 seasons and also the fantastic support of the fans at the Arms Park. I have loved my time as both a player for Cardiff and the Blues and I'm very proud of my achievements at the Arms Park."

"I grew up in Cardiff, played for both Cardiff Schools Rugby and Cardiff Youth, graduated from the University of Glamorgan and have never experienced club rugby outside of Cardiff. I feel at this point in my career that I would benefit from a new challenge and also a complete change of lifestyle and I feel moving away from Wales that Toulon can certainly offer me this. The Cardiff Blues is a great region and one that is really moving forward, both on and off the field, and choosing to leave now has been a huge decision for me and I wish the region the very best for the future and I will remain an avid supporter."

His sentiment toward the club was echoed by Chief Executive Robert Norster who has left the door open for Robinson to one day return to the Blues, while Dai Young also heaped praise on the Welsh centre;

"Jamie has been a mainstay at the Arms Park over an extended period and has represented the teams here with distinction. We would all like to thank Jamie for his significant contribution to the cause and he leaves with our best wishes and understands there will always be a warm welcome for him here in his home city."

"Working with and watching Jamie develop over the past seasons, I am naturally saddened that he has decided to leave particularly with such an exciting time ahead. However, I understand his desire to experience another and very different rugby culture and on behalf of us all I wish him well with his time with his new club in France,"

However regional bosses have tried to cushion the blow by announcing the signing of Warratah's back, Sam Norton-Knight. The 25 year old Australian has signed a three year deal with the Welsh capital, and is expected to feature primarily at 10 next season, although he can cover most positions across the back line.

Young spoke of the capture with much delight, saying;

‘Sam is unquestionably a quality signing who has generated significant interest from many other parts of the globe and we are delighted he has chosen to come to the Blues. He is already an experienced player at a relatively young age with a fine level of maturity to his game. His versatility is a real bonus to our squad and we look forward to him becoming an important member of our squad next season.'

The Blues were actively seeking a commanding fly half, and spoke to several players about potential moves, with Scotland's Dan Parks, Wasps' Dave Walder, Gloucester's Carlos Spencer and former Leicester stand off Ian Humphreys all turning down moves. However Norster was pleased to have finally nailed his man, and like Young, spoke highly of the Aussie-import;

‘We are delighted that Sam is to join us into next season as we begin the next chapter in the ongoing evolution of our team at Leckwith stadium. Sam is a young man with an impressive rugby pedigree who has significant levels of versatility to his game, which we will undoubtedly benefit from. We wish him every success in his ongoing exploits with the Waratahs for the remainder of their season and look forward to welcoming him to Wales thereafter.'

Meanwhile, there's been more breaking news today with WalesOnline reporting Cardiff's interest in Sale scrum half, Dwayne Peel. Peel has had a torrid time in Manchester, and is looking for early release from his 3 year contract, with the Blues and Scarlets both keen to bring the Lion's scrum half in.

The Blues had been confident of announcing Gareth Cooper as next season's 9, but with Peel seeking to end his time in England, they're believed to be more interested in the former Scarlet.

With Philippe Saint-Andre leaving Sale, ironically for Jamie Robinson's Toulon, it's though Kinsley Jones won't stand in any player who wants to leave, including their biggest names, Sebastian Chabal and Luke McAlister.

It's not known how likely a move to Cardiff could be, but it's a sign of ambition from the board, who will sign Cooper should Peel opt to ‘go home' back to Llanelli.

But the big news today is undoubtedly Jamie Robinson's confirmed departure, he will be a massive loss, both on and of the pitch, for the Blues. His defensive ability is second to very few other centers, rarely do players get past his giant frame, while his graceful poise and balance of run mean he is devastating in attack too. However the biggest loss will be a player who has consistently given 110% for his hometown club, been a model professional to his coaches and to the fans, both of whom rate him so highly.

TheArmsPark.co.uk would like to thank Jamie for his decade of service to Cardiff rugby, you've been a joy to watch and a wonderful ambassador for the club. I'm sure I speak for all fans when I say good luck in Toulon, and hopefully we'll see you back in Blue sooner rather than later.

Diolch yn fawr iawn Jamie!

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