The former Cardiff RFC and Wales full back celebrated his Testimonial season at the Arms Park last year, but he has been desperately unlucky with  injuries for the past 3 seasons, featuring just 19 times (still scoring 10 tries!).

His incredible try record speaks for itself, Rhys is the Cardiff Blues 7^th top point scorer of all time, scoring 100 points (20 tries) in 70 appearances. But his overall club record makes for even better reading, 100 tries in 187 appearances for Cardiff RFC and the Blues since making his try-scoring debut as a 18 year old in 98/99.

Rhys was hotly tipped from a young age as a future star, representing Wales at every level from U16 to U21, claiming a Junior World Cup Runners Up Medal  in 1999 with fellow Blue Jamie Robinson. The energetic back went on to make his Wales debut against Ireland in the 2000 6 Nations, where he burst onto the scene with a memorable catch and run in the opening exchanges.

He became a Wales regular over the next few years, winning admirers around the world for his stylish and exciting running abilities, plus his professionalism and commitment off the pitch. Rhys went on to claim 44 Welsh caps, as well as appearances for the Welsh Sevens side in the Commonwealth games in 2006, winning the Plate Final.

Perhaps his career highlight though, was the 2005 Grand Slam in which he featured as a winger scoring two tires against Scotland.

Rhys was also chosen to captain the Cardiff Blues during the 2005-2006 season, an ‘honour' he was delighted to receive;

" It's a huge honour for me to chosen as Captain and I'm absolutely delighted. Growing up in the area I am very much aware that Cardiff and the Blues have had some notable captains over the years."

His absence from the squad next season will be a huge disappointment to many fans, myself included, as he has been a truly wonderful ambassador to the club. One of the few genuinely nice guys left in sport, his friendly face will be sadly missed.

His departure, along with Jamie and Nicky Robinson sees three highly popular and loyal home grown talents fly the nest after 11, 10 and 8 years respectively with the club. There's a certain sense of nostalgia that the three pillars of Cardiff rugby from the last decade will not feature at the Cardiff City Stadium next season, hitting home that times really are changing for the region.

theArmsPark.co.uk would like to thank Rhys for the past 11 years of commitment, passion and excitement that have made supporting you easy, but saying farewell so sad. Best of luck with whatever you chose to do next mate.

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