Touring Blues Squad Named

By Andrew Collins
August 2 2012

Contrary to a previous article on this site, the Cardiff Blues’ current crop of Wales international players will not travel to South Africa, with the exception of Jamie Roberts.

The Cardiff Blues squad to play the Free State Cheetahs

Forwards: Andi Kyriacou, Andries Pretorius, Benoit Bourrust, Jake Cooper-Woolley, James Down, Josh Navidi, Lou Reed, Macauley Cook, Marc Breeze, Nathan Trevett, Robin Copeland, Rory Watts-Jones, Scott Andrews, Thomas Young.

Backs: Ceri Sweeney, Chris Czekaj, Dafydd Hewitt, Dan Fish, Gareth Davies, Gavin Evans, Jamie Roberts, Jason Tovey, Lewis Jones, Owen Williams, Rhys Patchell, Robert Lewis, Tom James.

New head coach Phil Davies could hand Blues debuts to fellow new arrives Kyriacou, Bourrust, Reed, Coplenad, Tovey and Robert Lewis, while there are also surprise inclusions for Jake Cooper-Wooley –  Bedwas RFC prop –  and Rory Watts-Jones – Cardiff RFC flanker.

The match, which takes place on Saturday 4^th August, was arranged to commemorate the 200th birthday of Sir George Grey, founder of Grey College where the match is to be staged.

“We are all looking forward to the trip and feel very humbled and honored to be part of such a prestigious occasion” said Phil Davies, Cardiff Blues director of rugby.

“It brings great joy to us to be hosting this special game during this year when we celebrate the 200thanniversary of our founder, Sir George Grey’ birthday,” said Mr. Johan Volsteedt, Principal of Grey College.

Mr. Harold Verster, Managing Director of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd. is excited about the prospects of the game and said:  “This is a wonderful opportunity to pay respect to Grey College for their huge contribution to rugby in the Free State and South Africa and for bringing international rugby to Bloemfontein.”