This was the seventh time Canterbury won the cup but the first time they had recorded back-to-back wins in the provincial championship.
And the 27 year old center has immediately set his sights on helping the Blues with their Heineken Cup quest.
Speaking of leaving New Zealand, Casey said: “It was good to leave Canterbury on a high having won the Air New Zealand Cup but I was ready for a change.”
“Playing in the Heineken Cup would be incredible, I wanted a change of lifestyle and living in Europe certainly appealed. However I also wanted a change of environment on the rugby front having played for the same team for 7 years, so I was looking for something different.”
“I watched the big Heineken Cup games on TV last season and they were awesome, but unfortunately the semi-final was decided on a kicking contest, which was a bit pathetic.”
“It was impressive to see the amount of people that attended the matches as we don’t have crowds that big in New Zealand.”
“I think people are more passionate here – even in the Air New Zealand Cup Final we only had a crowd of 10,000.”
“There were a few teams including Munster who approached me, but having spoken to Dai Young and Bob Norster I was impressed with the way they went about the whole process and the way things were conducted.”
“The Blues also showed a lot of faith in me and followed me with interest when I injured my arm which was good to know as sometimes people get a bit down when they pick up injuries.”
Twenty-seven year old Laulala arrived in Wales with his wife Lydia and 16 month old daughter Misha and has been impressed with what he has seen so far of Cardiff.
“It was a pretty good journey as we had a break on the way over and had a few days relaxing on an island off Singapore.”
“It was good to see the facilities on the internet but when you see them for real, they’re very impressive.”
“The training centre and stadium are brand new. We’ve got good facilities back home but to see things over here is quite an eye opener.”
Casey made his debut for New Zealand against Wales in Cardiff in November 2004 and went on to play for the All Blacks against Ireland in 2006.
Described by many as one of the hardest players to contain in broken field play in the New Zealand game, Casey is the son of an airline pilot for Polynesian Airlines, and was schooled at Wesley College – the same south Auckland institution that gifted the world game former Cardiff Blue and international rugby superstar, Jonah Lomu.
But before the Heineken kicks back into action, Cardiff Blues play Connacht in the Magners Legaue on Sunday 6 December, 3.00pm kick off. Supporters can buy one ticket for the match and get one free. Tickets can be purchased online on www.cardiffblues.com/tickets
The match will also be the Blues Regional Clubs day, an opportunity for all clubs in the Blues region to be represented at Cardiff City Stadium. This popular event sees each club in the region offered 30 free tickets for their junior members to enjoy a Magners League clash. Last season’s match was a resounding success with many clubs from all corners of the region in attendance, this season all club’s who are here are invited to take part in the Regional Club’s parade at half time.
Blues Regional Clubs day also sees the return of the immensely popular mascot race. Last season Rhiwbina’s squirrel put in a dazzling performance in front of an Arms Park crowd. This season, after a summer of hard work Bruiser is desperate to regain his title, the first time this annual event is held at his new home. Good luck Bruiser!
All Blues Cup winners from last season have been invited down to the match to parade their trophies at half time.
2008/09 Blues Cup Winners
Under 10 Rumney RFC
Under 11 Rhiwbina RFC
Under 12 Pontypridd RFC
Under 13 St Albans RFC
Under 14 Pontypridd RFC
Under 15 Cardiff Schools
