Tyrrell and Corsi

By Andrew Collins
October 21 2011

Gavin Henson will be joined at his new club by three more arrivals in a busy transfer week for the region.

The Cardiff Blues have moved quickly to cover the loss of their two first choice hookers by signing Western Force’s Ryan Tyrrell. Gareth Williams announced his retirement in September, while Rhys Thomas is facing a lengthy lay-off following knee surgery.

Tyrrell has already made two appearances for the Blues, last week’s loss to Newcastle as well as the Pro12 win in Italy over Aironi. Of the move he said,

"It's been good, so I couldn't have asked for a better settling in period from the players and coaching staff. Everyone been very responsive in helping me settle in, which has been great, and it almost feels like home away from away already,”

Former Osprey’s hooker Marc Breeze also arrives at the Cardiff City stadium as part of a four players given contracts this week. The final signing sees ex-Dragons and Scarlets prop, Jamie Corsi, join his 3^rd region.

The news will come as a considerable shock to most Blues fans, who had been told on several occasions there would be no new arrivals this season.

In other transfer related news, momentum is gathering as to who will replace Dai Young as Blues Director of Rugby. It seems as though the current pair, Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell, will be kept on as part of the coaching staff, however there will be a new DoR.

It’s thought Peter Thomas will pull all the strings available to bring in New Zealand boss Graham Henry, although it’s looking more likely that Italy’s Nick Mallet will get the job.