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Young pays tribute to Williams ahead of Friday's match

26th August 2010


Ahead of Friday's big game, when the Blues take on the Dragons as part of the Martyn Williams Testimonial Year, David Young pays tribute to one of the truly great Welsh rugby players of all time.

Ahead of Friday's big game, when the Blues take on the Dragons as part of the Martyn Williams Testimonial Year, David Young pays tribute to one of the truly great Welsh rugby players of all time.

Speaking at the Vale of Glamorgan Training Centre, Young said,

"It's great to play our local rivals, and great that the Dragons have shown the respect that we all have in Wales for what Martyn has done in the game, not only for Pontypridd, Cardiff, the Blues and Wales, but for what he has done for Welsh rugby all over the world."

"I can't think of anybody who deserves a testimonial year and match any more than Martyn. He's a model professional, both on and off the pitch, and a real nice chap to go with it. Hopefully we will have a big crowd because he deserves it."

"For someone to be at the top as long as he has been is incredible. Week in week out, no matter who you are playing against, Martyn will always deliver. "

"As I've said many times, some games he's brilliant and other games he's only very good. It's very rare that you'll see Martyn have a poor game."

"His preparation for every game is the same and he addresses every game in the same way. You don't get 95 caps by accident. He's worked at his game and adapted it because if you play for over 15 years, you obviously have to change your game slightly."

"What Martyn does best is link play - his skills and vision are second to none. There's nobody out there who can break a game up and there's no better attacking 7 in world rugby."

"There are more and more internationals now but it's difficult to see someone winning as many caps as Martyn. I'm quite confident Martyn will get to 100 caps and to the World cup next year."

"The biggest competition Martyn has for Wales shirt is the same competition he has at the Blues and that is Sam Warburton."

"There's friendly rivalry between them. They both help each other, and Sam is the first to say how much he admires Martyn.  I think that's testament to the man - when one of your closest rivals speaks so highly of you."

"I don't think anyone in Welsh rugby would have a bad word to say against Martyn Williams. He's been a massive help to me, both on and off the pitch, and deserves everything he gets."

The Blues Supporters Quarter will host a Summer Party at the match and all supporters are encouraged to get into the bank holiday mood and dress up for the game - shorts, Hawiian shirts and grass skirts are all welcome.

The Blues Supporters Quarter is located in the concourse area behind the Canton Stand and open to all from 6pm. There will be an array of pre match Summer themed entertainment for all the family, including a live band, face painting, interactive games, player appearances, pimms bar and a volleyball court for supporters that want to try out their volleyball skills.

The Blues Supporters Quarter will be open for an hour and a half before kick off every Blues home game, providing an area for supporters to congregate pre match.

Tickets for the Blues v Dragons match are still available and can be purchased through the Cardiff City Stadium Ticket Office 08453451400  www.cardiffblues.com/tickets.

Adults: £10

Junior: £5

Cardiff Blues have once again teamed up with Cardiff Bus to run a shuttle bus service to Cardiff City stadium on match days.

The shuttles buses which will run at approximately every 10 minutes and pick up from Westgate Street and Wood Street, with the first bus 90 minutes before kick off. The bus will return the same route with the final bus 60 minutes after the final whistle