By Andrew Collins
August 16 2005

Cardiff Blues have announced that full back, Rhys Williams is to take over Martyn Williams as the regions captain. The 25-year old led the side on a few occasions last year, but is perhaps a suprise choice to many fans.

Rhys, who has been with Cardiff and the Blues since 1999, was 1 of Wales' Grand Slam heros earlier this year, but is yet to cement his place in a Wales shirt.

Last season Rhys featured as fullback, wing and even outside centre as the Blues struggled to feild a team wothy of a win, and according to coach Dai Young, this was one of the factors that influenced his decision.

On his appointment, Rhys seemed excited and full of confidence for his new role. One thing is for sure, he will not take the captincy for granted. As a Cardiff boy, he understands the task in hand, and the honour that comes with the position.

“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. I’ve been fortunate to have played under some great Captains in my career for both the Blues and Wales and I feel I have learnt a lot from the them ."

Dai Young, who made the Rhys captain, said

“We are fortunate to have many quality players at the Blues, Rhys is one of these and has and shown his leadership skills when he captained the side last year, especially out in Viadana. He thrived on the responsibility of being Captain during last season’s games and is more than equipped to fill the role."

Noone can argue that Williams wouldn't run through walls for Cardiff, but as far as his captains ability goes, it is yet to be seen how he fares.

But Young insists that he has the respect to and pide needed to fill Martyns boots,

"His performances’ for the Blues over the years has won him the respect of the players, coaches and fans and he has been a great ambassador for the region. He is a great example to any young player, a true professional both on and off the field.”

In a make or break year, Williams will either feel the pressure like no one before him, or become a hero that lives in the record books and fans memories.

Hopefully this will refresh the squad and bring a bit more agression and passion into their play, something has has been missing in previous years. Playing for Cardiff isn't the honour it used to be, but it is up to Rhys and his squad to change that, and following the changes in pre season, Williams is confident he can bring succes back to the capital region,

"The pre season training has keen going really well in our new training facilities up in Hensol and the new boys are settling in well.  We are a relatively young squad and are all very enthusiastic about the new season."

His predessor, Martyn Williams, will probably take up a vice captincy, but had these words for the new boy,

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Rhys on his appointment. He obviously has my full support as he does from the rest of the squad. He has been an outstanding player for the Blues and I’m confident he will make an excellent Captain”.

To which Rhys returned the compliment,

"Lastly, I’d like to thank Martyn Williams for his support and congratulations. He has been a great Captain and I’m sure if I require any advice Martyn will be more than happy to help”

Rivals and critics will be keen to slate Rhys at every point, but he has the squad and chance in front of him to get Cardiff back to the pedistool of Welsh and European rugby. He has the potential to be captain for the next 6 years, but first he has to prove himself and make sure his leadership guids us to the right places.

ArmsPark.tk would like to wish Rhys the very best of luck as captain, all we ask is he returns our confidence in silverware.