Cardiff Blues snap up Will Boyde

The Cardiff Blues have continued building for the future with the signing of Will Boyde on a long-term contract in the Welsh capital.

The popular Welsh back rower was released by Scarlets after five years with the region, where he has made 85 appearances and captained the team on numerous occasions.

The 24-year-old is relishing the competition and hopes to take his game to the next level at Wales’ Capital Region.

He said: “Now the season is over I am really excited about joining Cardiff Blues. I’ve always been with the Scarlets and I’m grateful for my time there but I’m now looking forward to this new challenge.

“Having previewed the Blues a couple of times this season, and then reviewed heavy defeats, I know exactly what they are capable of and how much potential there is at the Arms Park.

“It’s a quick pitch, which gives you home ground advantage, and that suits my game so I’m looking forward to that.

“It’s going to be a big challenge just to break into the team with such a competitive back-row but I’m excited about that challenge and learning from the likes of Nick Williams, Ellis Jenkins and Josh Navidi.

“There is so much exciting talent and hopefully I can play my part, bringing a physical edge and some big hits that can lift the team.”

CONFIRMED | @cardiff_blues sign @WillBoyde from @scarlets_rugby pic.twitter.com/jGduW1QFUj

— Cardiff Blues (@cardiff_blues) May 20, 2019

The Narberth-product, who has represented Wales at Under-20s level, has the ability to play right across the back-row and brings dynamism on both sides of the ball, while being equally adept at the breakdown.

Cardiff Blues head coach John Mulvihill said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Will to the Arms Park. He really suits the way we play the game, going hard on both sides of the ball and is a really effective ball-carrier.

“He brings further strength to our back-row and has his best years ahead of him. Training and playing alongside guys like Nick Williams will be of enormous value in his continued development.

“After bringing onboard Josh Adams and Hallam Amos, this further demonstrates our intention and the way we want to play the game.”

Cardiff Blues chief executive Richard Holland has also stressed the importance of the collaborative approach taken working with the Professional Rugby Board.

He added: “We need players of Will’s quality playing in Wales and following dialogue with colleagues on the Rugby Management Board, I am delighted we have been able to do that.

“This is not only a great acquisition for Cardiff Blues but is also for the best interests of Welsh rugby. It ties into our strategy of developing young Welsh talent and the likes of Will, Seb Davies and Alun Lawrence can learn a huge amount from someone like Nick in his new mentoring role.

“Will is an outstanding talent and has his best rugby ahead of him, following discussions with our rugby department, we’re confident he will only get better in our environment.”