Cardiff Blues
Paulo Signs Plus The Latest Transfer Rumours
Filo Paulo
By Andrew Collins
January 14 2013
Cardiff bring in Samoan lock Filo Paulo from namesake Auckland Blues. The 25 year old will join up with his new team mates later this month.
Paulo, a 3-times capped Samoan international, was part of the highly successful Autumn tour which included beating Wales in the Millennium Stadium. If you’re wondering what impact he made on that match, the following Gif may jog your memory... http://prem0.hiboox.com/images/4612/diapob80a94c3edc97e8632e7aa7ed2e3ad30.gif
Described by his North Harbour coach as, ‘very rangy lock,’ he will provide real competition to Bradley Davies, Lou Reed, James Down and Macaulay Cook.
John McKittrick confirmed the news of his outgoing player, telling BBC Sport,
"He had a very successful northern hemisphere tour with Samoa [and] was desperately unlucky not to be retained by the Blues for the upcoming Super season and I think he's taken the sensible option in pursuing a career with the [Cardiff] Blues.
"He's a very rangy lock, very physical around the breakdown. He can really move bodies and has exceptional line-out skills. He's one of these guys that doesn't panic with the ball in the air. He has what we term very good hang time; very effective [jumping] at two and four in the line-out. But he's especially physical around the breakdown.
He's had 42 games for the North Harbour province and we hope that some day he returns and brings up the magical 50."
He joins Romanian prop Paetru Tamba in signing mid-way through the season, while rumours are rife about who may be arriving at the end of the season. Below, theArmsPark.co.uk lists all the rumoured names along with their likelihood:
Matthew Rees – A done deal according to most. The former Wales captain is surplus to requirements at the Scarlets, with Ken Owens and a crop of youngsters providing a cheaper alternative. Restaurant-owner Rees was thought to have opted to keep his family in Wales, rather than pursue a larger offer in France.
Rhys Gill – The former Blue was released by Dai Young and advised to gain experience and return a better player. Having been a fair mainstay at English giants Saracens for the past few years, a period in which he won the Premiership title, he has certainly done that. However, his days at the South African province look numbered, and it’s rumoured that he wants to return to Wales to stake a claim at building on his 3 caps.
Gethin Jenkins – Melon’s return is looking increasingly likely, with the Wales prop not even making the bench for the past three weeks. Add to that reports that Castrogiovani has signed from Leicester and it looks as though Jenkins is heading for the ‘sortie’. He didn’t want to leave last season, but the Blues bosses were unable to offer him anything competitive. This year, things are looking up and he could well return relatively cheaply.
Dan Lydiate – Yes, I know what you’re thinking. Madness. Well, despite flanker being the one position the Blues are currently blessed with relative riches, it appears that Peter Thomas is keen to keep the Dragon in Wales, and wants him and best-mate Sam Warburton to form a somewhat incredible combination. If indeed he wants to stay in Wales, the Blues would seem the perfect fit, but it does seem unlikely that he would turn down the mega-bucks of France for the Arms Park. If it comes off, I’m sure we’d all be delighted, despite it not being an area of huge weakness. When it doesn’t come off, we’ll all be gutted.
Ma’ Nonu – If you’ve been following the Blues for the past 10 years, then you’re probably aware this is the 13th off-season in which we’ve been linked to the wannabe-Navidi. Centre is certainly an area which needs investment and with Jamie going there could be money to be spent, but I would imagine our offer would be perhaps 24th in line after all the French and English clubs. Unlikely, impossible, ridiculous. But who know, just maybe.
Craig Mitchell – The former Ospreys prop is keen to cut short his time in Exeter and return to Wales. Could well be an option if Gethin doesn’t arrive.
James Hook – Peter Thomas is a long-time admirer of Hook and has tried to sign him on a number of occasions. His move to Perpignan has been relatively successful, which immediately makes the chances of Hook return to Wales seem very slim. However, he has been consistently overlooked by warren Gatland since his move and has largely been frozen out of the team. A return to Wales would help re-ignite his international career at a time where there is no nailed on outside half.
Heard any other Transfer Rumours? Post them below...
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14/01/2013 21:07
aracens being a South African Province is both stupid and offensive and above all wrong.Why waste time with a blog when you simply do not know what you are talking about. Quote:iscennen
your comment re
With respect, its only "offensive" if you are ENORMOUSLY touchy. I think most saracens fans wont bat an eyelid.
Quote:iscennen
your comment re
Obviously this description is wrong.I'm fully aware they are an English-based club. The description was tongue-in-cheek and meant in a humourous way. I think 'offensive' is an extreme overreaction and therefore I won't be removing it.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
From what I have heard, Mitchell is apparently on a very small contract with Exeter that the Blues are willing to buy out - not sure if it is true, but it would be a great signing, similarly Gill.
The Hook and Nonu rumours are ridiculous speculation by the sounds of it.
I don't think Gethin will come crawling back since apparently he refused the Blues salary offer after they had come to terms with Toulon over his release - which is a pity, since I think it could spell the end of his career - still, it will make a stark warning to welsh player who are thinking of moving to France (especially when they hardly ever play/perform for their club - you listening Jamie)
The Lydiate rumour seems farfetched, however, I have heard for a fair while that he has always wanted to play with Warburton and they are very close. Not impossible if he decides he wants more money, but not a lot more money. Still I won't believe it until I see it.
I would like to see more of Tamba, and will look forward to seeing what our new lock can do.
Actually that wasn't just said for laughs (and I doubt it got any!) but I think Dan is the sort of person who would rather be living where he does and playing for Cardiff (with a salary increase over his Dragons deal) than being over in France for more money. Now he might be tempted by Gloucester or Bath but not I think France.
15/01/2013 14:54
If I was you I'd be very worried about the state of affairs at the Arms Park-take a leaf out ot the Saracens' book if you want to see a way ahead otherwise best merge with Newport and become a proper third region.
Quote:iscennen
Think your sense of humour is distinctly unfunny and most Saracens fans are fed up with this particular jibe.Good to see a Cardiff born South African promoted to the Welsh squad from a truly Welsh club(West Wales,East Wales,Valleys & so on...
If I was you I'd be very worried about the state of affairs at the Arms Park-take a leaf out ot the Saracens' book if you want to see a way ahead otherwise best merge with Newport and become a proper third region.
My advice? Put your handbag away missus.
15/01/2013 16:04
Forget about Getin and Hook neither good value for money in any case we hace a star in Patchel
Quote:iscennen
Think your sense of humour is distinctly unfunny and most Saracens fans are fed up with this particular jibe.Good to see a Cardiff born South African promoted to the Welsh squad from a truly Welsh club(West Wales,East Wales,Valleys & so on...
If I was you I'd be very worried about the state of affairs at the Arms Park-take a leaf out ot the Saracens' book if you want to see a way ahead otherwise best merge with Newport and become a proper third region.
Give over, mun. I know quite a few fez boys and good lads they are too. I'm pretty sure none of them would have been offended by what was an innocuous and light-hearted comment. Life's just too short.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:01:15:18:53:22 by capsgon.
Quote:iscennen
Think your sense of humour is distinctly unfunny and most Saracens fans are fed up with this particular jibe.Good to see a Cardiff born South African promoted to the Welsh squad from a truly Welsh club(West Wales,East Wales,Valleys & so on...
If I was you I'd be very worried about the state of affairs at the Arms Park-take a leaf out ot the Saracens' book if you want to see a way ahead otherwise best merge with Newport and become a proper third region.
Do you produce any local players from your original home which is North London, who have gone on to represent their country. We in Cardiff or the Blues region, have a habit of producing our own talent, who tend to go on and win Grand Slams for fun. We should have got to the World Cup final, but as you may recall a poor refereeing decision cost us the game, (Warburton, a local Cardiff lad), and yes we do have a few imports now and again. But come on England over the last few years is jam packed with overseas players. Oh just like the Saracens.
15/01/2013 19:29
Quote:Just seems to be you, champ. Back under your bridge, there's a good boy.iscennen
Think your sense of humour is distinctly unfunny and most Saracens fans are fed up with this particular jibe.Good to see a Cardiff born South African promoted to the Welsh squad from a truly Welsh club(West Wales,East Wales,Valleys & so on...
If I was you I'd be very worried about the state of affairs at the Arms Park-take a leaf out ot the Saracens' book if you want to see a way ahead otherwise best merge with Newport and become a proper third region.
I do however feel strongly that Andries should not be in the Welsh squad. The 3 year rule is riduclous - he is a pro rugby player who came here to get a good salary playing rugby and that should not mean he can get into the Wales squad. The IRB need to sort this quick. I don't blame Andries (good money and prestige to come etc) but the system that allows England, Wales and everyone else to pick players after 3 years 'residency' is crazy - and of course t favours the nations with strong pro leagues and offers no help to those such as Samoa and Argentina. I put residency in ''s because no doubt most pro overseas players spend their off-season back in their homelands. If my job meant I was based in Saudi or somewhere overseas then I wouldn't expect to get into their team after 3 years of working there - though of course that happens and the IRB supported UAE team which I last saw play on that IRB rugby programme shown on Sky (PLanet Rugby is it or something) were all clearly people whose heritage was not from UAE but were working over there in Oil, finance or whatever.
Quote:Actually they have to spend a specific time each year so cannot spend there whole time off 'away'Rich.
Yes most Sarries poke fun at themselves over the South African connection and there was clearly no nastiness in the post. My concern is more about the style of rugby they play and hope (and expect) that their new pitch will encourage them to play a more running game; as they have the talent so it currently seems such a waste.
I do however feel strongly that Andries should not be in the Welsh squad. The 3 year rule is riduclous - he is a pro rugby player who came here to get a good salary playing rugby and that should not mean he can get into the Wales squad. The IRB need to sort this quick. I don't blame Andries (good money and prestige to come etc) but the system that allows England, Wales and everyone else to pick players after 3 years 'residency' is crazy - and of course t favours the nations with strong pro leagues and offers no help to those such as Samoa and Argentina. I put residency in ''s because no doubt most pro overseas players spend their off-season back in their homelands. If my job meant I was based in Saudi or somewhere overseas then I wouldn't expect to get into their team after 3 years of working there - though of course that happens and the IRB supported UAE team which I last saw play on that IRB rugby programme shown on Sky (PLanet Rugby is it or something) were all clearly people whose heritage was not from UAE but were working over there in Oil, finance or whatever.
And I'd better everyone would be on their feet screaming for him if he makes a break for the winning score (esp against the Sais)
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
16/01/2013 16:34
Quote:iscennen
Think your sense of humour is distinctly unfunny and most Saracens fans are fed up with this particular jibe.Good to see a Cardiff born South African promoted to the Welsh squad from a truly Welsh club(West Wales,East Wales,Valleys & so on...
If I was you I'd be very worried about the state of affairs at the Arms Park-take a leaf out ot the Saracens' book if you want to see a way ahead otherwise best merge with Newport and become a proper third region.
Merge with Newport!! I'd rather stop watching rugby than see that happen.
Quote:iscennen
Think your sense of humour is distinctly unfunny and most Saracens fans are fed up with this particular jibe.Good to see a Cardiff born South African promoted to the Welsh squad from a truly Welsh club(West Wales,East Wales,Valleys & so on...
If I was you I'd be very worried about the state of affairs at the Arms Park-take a leaf out ot the Saracens' book if you want to see a way ahead otherwise best merge with Newport and become a proper third region.
And with this post, you've lost all, if indeed any, credibility. If you felt that strongly about making sure no one was offended, then you wouldn't have dragged yourself into making a rash and clearly misinformed comment.
Indeed, the final sentence is irrational and contradictory! What exactly is a proper third region? Does this imply we are currently the 3rd region but apparently not very good at it? If we are the third region, how come we are, and will probably remain, Wales' top ranked European team?
I think it's best not to get too bogged down trying to answer any of these questions. However, for future reference, if you want to be the bigger man and take the moral high horse, don't make pathetic, nonsensical "come-backs" to what was clearly a humours, unoffensive throw-away comment.
Cheers to everyone for your support on that by the way. I was starting to think the world had gone mad!
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
Quote:Neil
It really is true admin, these saffers have no sense of humour
Aye, they should have the Bok thrown at them
17/01/2013 22:00
I wonder whether Delve is still on the radar? Not convinced with Pretorius at 8, he seems to play better at 6. Copeland looks to be developing well at 8.
Rhys Gill would be an excellent signing. Filise has been a great player for us but I think this might be his last season with us.
Quote:capsgonQuote:Neil
It really is true admin, these saffers have no sense of humour
Aye, they should have the Bok thrown at them
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
Quote:You cannot accuse two such fine outstanding athletes of such things shirley!!!hands in the ruck
Nonu or SBW what drugs are you taking
Not sure if either of them have ever cycled anyway
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
