By Andrew Collins
January 25 2006

The Blues look set to lose one of their best assets to Fench outfit Biarritz, but are also chasing a 26-year-old Kiwi with a big boot. The news comes at a bad time for the Blues who are already suffering a major on-feild crisis.

Lion Martyn Williams is the player expected to sign for Biarritz within the week. The Echo today reported that the flanker is 'attracting strong interest', but theArmsPark.co.uk believes the deal is all but confirmed.

Williams, the first ever captain of the Cardiff Blues, signed a 2-year deal just this month, but the French are keen on Williams despite his age and current contract.

If, as looks likely, the move does go ahead, the Blues will scoop a large amount on compensation which will help fund the region after missing out on a quarter final spot. However he has been inspirational for Cardiff, and is a consistent high-quality performer.

A Blues side missing Williams lacks a lot of professionalism and determination. Despite a massive shake-up being needed amongst the players, Martyn was one player who cannot really be held to blame.

The only good news about his departure would be that one-time captain Robin Sowen-Taylor would get more game time and will be more likely to reach his potential as 'The Next Martyn'.

With the 2-year deal only just being signed, many questions will be asked about the Blues passion to progress, and with '6 new signings' already promised, how do they intend to become better by selling their best players.

Another factor is when Williams' new contract will begin. With him currently under contract already, the transfer may go ahead as soon as a deal is reached, however, he may end up leaving at the end of the season.

As for the Kiwi signing, it would seem that Dai Young is now looking for a new full back in Ben Blair. The All Black is keen to move from the Canterbury Crusaders and will join up with old mate Xavier Rush.

At 26, he is a great age to be arriving (though he'd be 27 by next season) and would bring great stability to the backs.

He can also play centre, but it's thought he would arrive as a full back.

Blair's availability would alert numerous clubs, but having already missed out on Barry Davies and Steven Jones, and now the loss of Martyn Williams will surely force the Blues to act fast and outbid any opposition.

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In other news, Dean Dewdney, Mark Lewis, James Goode and James Malpas have been regestered for the Cardiff RFC side for the rest of the season, with more expected to follow.

Finally, Lee Bryne is expected to sign a 2-year deal with the Ospreys, Hal Luscumbe has signed a 1-year extension on his Dragons deal.