Cardiff Blues have boosted the strength of their front row by signing Tongan international prop Taufaao Filise from Bath Rugby and Gary Powell from Gloucester RFC.
Filise, the powerful Tongan prop is a formidable presence on the rugby field, weighing in a 19st 5lbs and standing a towering 64. The giant front row forward is an exceptionally strong player and can play on both sides of the scrum.
Filise, grew up in Tonga and went to Tupou College in Nukualofa. In 2000, he joined Bay of Plenty in New Zealand and later the Auckland Blues Super Twelve side where he played alongside Cardiff Blues Number 8, Xavier Rush. Filise has also represented Tonga 29 times and scored two tries.
Speaking of the signing Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said.
Having a player of his quality who can play both sides of the scrum is a huge benefit to our front row strength.
The Cardiff Blues have also concluded the deal to sign tight head prop Gary Powell from Gloucester RFC. Powell, who is originally from the Rhondda was educated at Treorchy Comprehensive School. He first joined Cardiff RFC in the summer of 1999 and enjoyed an excellent first season as a young prop winning a Wales under-21 cap while at the Arms Park.
Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said. Gary is an excellent addition to any squad and we are delighted to welcome him home as there was a lot of competition to sign him from within Wales and the Guinness Premiership. He has matured as a player over the years and we look forward to having him on board for the new season.
Craig Morgan
Cardiff Blues today confirmed that Craig Morgan has joined Bristol RFC. Craig
joined Cardiff RFC from Pontypridd RFC in 1997 and went on to play nearly 200 games for Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Blues, including 26 Heineken Cup matches. He also won 9 caps for Wales after being selected by Graham Henry and making his senior debut in the opening match of the 2002 Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship, against Ireland at Lansdowne Road.
David Young said 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.
Craig Morgan added Id 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. Ive 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.