Blair arrives at Arms Park

“It was a pretty long journey and we stopped off in Singapore for a bit of time off but I’m just glad to get here in one piece.  It looks like
there’s a really good set up and I’ve heard a lot about it,” said Blair.

“I’m lookingforward to getting out there and training with the boys and just excited
about being here.”

Having had a tour of the training facilities and met up with his new team mates and coaches, Ben went on to explain his reasons for joining
the Blues.

“I had a chat with Steve Hansen and Andrew Hore for some feedback, but I made up my mind myself. I’d been here before and thought it would be a good place to come to.

“Wales is a great rugby country and Cardiff obviously being the capital really appealed to me. I’m 27 I’ve had eight great years in New Zealand but I was ready for a change and didn’t want to go anywhere else and thought it would be good to test myself over here.

“There seems to be a smattering of Kiwi’s around the place, it’s good to have Xavier here who’s a link back to New Zealand and I hope to get the chance to know him a bit better because I always played against him, there’s a big rivalry between Auckland and Canterbury.

“It will be good to link up with Justin Marshall also I hope I can have a chat with him when he’s not talking to the papers.”

Ben ended his New Zealand club career on a winning note by helping Canterbury to victory against Otago, kicking a penalty and two conversions, in the Ranfurly Shield final at the Jade Stadium.

Full Back Blair, is the fifth new arrival at the Arms Park and is certain to give Director of Coaching David Young new options amongst his
back division.

David Young said, “We are pleased to welcome Ben into the squad. His arrival will give us more flexibility in the back line and allow us to
play different combinations in personnel. He is a great counter- attacking full back with fantastic speed and a keen eye for a gap in defences, plus his undoubted kicking ability is a bonus.”