By Andrew Collins
May 9 2006

AS expected, the Blues have swooped for Tongan prop, Taufa’ao Filise, but Craig Morgan leaves for pastures new.

Filse becomes just the second signing from Dai Young, and brings fantastic experience to the young Welsh front row. Having also secured prop Gary Powell's signature a few months ago, Cardiff can now boast an incredible strength in depth despite looking set to lose Martin Jones aswell as Ben Evans.

The options are now boosted to a front row of either: Yapp; Rhys Thomas; Jenkins or back-up of Filise; Goodfiled; Powell, with 5 from 6 Welsh boys.

Ben Evans is confirmed as going to Sale, but it now looks as though Martin Jones will also be leaving, with the Scarlets rumoured to be interested.

He come with experience at NCP level with the Bay of Plenty, Super 12 with the Aukland Blues (Under Xavier Rush's leadership), Guinness Premiership with Bath and 29 caps for Tonga.

At 6ft 4' and 19st 5lbs he is a massive impact player, but according to many Bath fans I've spoken with, also has hands that will fit right into the Welsh game, and is generally a very good player.

Young said about his new man,

"Having a player of his quality who can play both sides of the scrum is a huge benefit to our front row strength."

He will join up with the rest of the squad in June to begin pre-season training.

Unfortunately, one player who won't be joining him is flying winger, Craig Morgan. Having joined Cardiff RFC back in 2997, he has been at the Arms Park for 9 seasons, a feat that was recognised by his head coach;

"Craig has been great servant at the Arms Park for nearly a decade and has been a leading try scorer for many seasons. We wish every success with this new chapter in his career."

He will instead be completeing his pre-season just across the bridge with Bristol RFC. It was reported on this site weeks ago that Morgan was having 'contractual difficulties', meaning he wanted more money that the board were willing to offer.

In his time with Cardiff, Morgan has played just short of 200 games, including 26 Heineken Cup appearances. He won an impressive 9 caps for Wales.

Morgan will be sorely missed by fans who see Mogsy as a homegrown talent. Having been nutured since his move from Pontyprydd nearly a decade ago, fans have taken to Craig's natural ability as a winger, and watched him at his best in '98 as he scored at least 1 try in 17 consecutive matches!

Sadly, Morgan suffered a serious injury the following year, which hampered his development, and it's fair to say that he never really returned to the form he showed as a youngster. He reamined to be one of Cardiff's leading try scorers however, and was always a reliable source of points.

Morgan wished to thank fans for their support, and released a statement saying,

"I’d like to thank everyone at the Arms Park who have helped me over the years. People like our kit man Mike Bieri and Dai Young who was there when I first joined, the supporters, players and coaches have all been great to me and I have fond memories of  playing with Cardiff. I’ve made good friends here and will stay in touch with them and hopefully play a few rounds of golf with the boys over the summer."

His depature fuels speculation over a possible move for Ben Blair. The kiwi can play full back or wing, but it's thought he would take up the 15 shirt, with Williams moving to wing giving a very impressive starting line-up. However, there is currently no wing cover, an isssue that must be adressed before next season should the Blues wish to maintain their great development.

Cheers Craig, you've been a honour to support, great player and a very commited Cardiff player. But also, a big Arms Park welcome to Filise, I'm sure sooner or later I'll remember how to spell your first name.

To see how Bath fans feel about the move, see this Here.