Sweeney Officially Arrive

By Andrew Collins
April 25 2008

Wales’ most boring transfer saga has finally come to a close with the news today that former Wales and Newport fly half, Ceri Sweeney, has signed for the Cardiff Blues. The Blues also confirm more departures as well as a re-signing.

As well as Sweeney for next season, the Blues have secured the services of Dai Flanagan. The 22 year old stand off has played in some of the regions biggest occasions this season, including an away trips to Leicester, Stade Francais, Toulouse and picking up a win in Bath in the EDF Cup. Though the Cefn Hengoed man has his doubters amongst the Cardiff fans, he provides decent cover to Nick Robinson, and will help push both Nick and Ceri to hopefully produce their finest form.

However, lock James Goode has joined New Zealand side, Manawatu. The lock who was held high in regard by most Blues fans has suffered badly through injury and spent 6 months previously playing in New Zealand.

Fans also say goodbye to Duane Goodfield who has signed a contract with Newport. The young hooker hasn't featured at all this season after impressing in last years campaign. Goodfield was third in the Arms Park pecking order after Gareth Williams and Rhys Thomas.

But it's the name we all expected, rather than hoped for, with Ceri Sweeney the one making headlines. As boring and uninspired as the transfer is, he will provide better cover for the injury prone Robinson than Sale-bound Macleod.

Chief Exec, Rob Nortser said today;

"Ceri is a quality player who has been a consistent performer for the professional sides he has represented and carries significant experience following his involvement so far with the Wales national team. Young Dai has also shown impressive levels of maturity and continues to make progress in the senior game. We are always looking to strengthen our squad whenever possible and are confident both these young Welsh players will improve our future play-making options."

Whether or not there are more signing to be confirmed remains to be seen, but I think we can safely rule out the singing of Dan Carter!

The other name being strongly linked to the region is Aled Brew. The Ospreys winger is out of contract, and would help creat a fantastic young, Welsh ethos in Cardiff's back 3. If he were to arrive, Young could boast having hot-property wingers, Chris Czekaj, Tom James and Brew as well as full back Jamie Roberts. The Blues also have Rhys Williams to cover those positions.

There is also the possibility of talented wingers Leigh Halfpenny and Roger Davies making more appearances next season. Davies picked up the man of the match award on Sunday as 2nd placed Cardiff toppled league champions Neath at the Arms Park.

* You can see Sweeney on S4C tonight, as the Dragons travel to Ospreylia.