The Blue & Blacks ran in seven tries as they hit back from an interval deficit to comfortably account for the National 2 South side. They were due to step up a grade and face Championship outfit Ampthill this week, but that game has now been postponed.
A lack of player availability has forced Cardiff to cancel on Paul Turner’s men, who beat Newport 54-12 last weekend, and it means the champions won’t now have another game before heading up the A470 to Pontypridd.
“Naturally we are disappointed to reach this decision, however we are not comfortable with the idea of making up the numbers by compromising player development and the physical and mental well-being of all our players,” said Cardiff Rugby academy manager, Gruff Rees.
“That has to be our priority and unfortunately a growing list of unavailable players makes this fixture unviable. We offer our apologies to Paul Turner and Ampthill for this late decision.
“On the back of a positive performance against Henley, where we appreciated the contributions of a number of external players, we’re looking forward to the new season and to welcome a number of players back into the fold over the coming weeks.”
Head coach Steve Law has added former Dragons, Wales Sevens and Wales U20 wing Joe Goodchild from Ampthill and ex-Ospreys and Wales U20 three quarter Dewi Cross to his back line, along with Merthyr strongman Arron Pinches.
Well-travelled prop Marc Thomas has return for another stint at the club and Wales U20 captain Alex Mann will be fit to play. Mackenzie Martin, who played for Wales U20 in the summer, is another new addition.
Former skipper Joey Tomlinson is back after a stint in Canada and Wales U20 cap Ben Burnell is fit to resume after being moved from Ponty to the Arms Park.
“I think we’re in a stronger position than we were last year and we are going in the right direction. It was the first year of a new model last season and the young boys who had an opportunity to shine are now a year older,” said Law.
“We’ve also added some great quality Premiership players this season. The academy boys who come in will have their opportunity once again and there will be plenty looking to catch the eye of the senior coaching staff.
“In terms of ambition we want to continue the progress we made last season, and we will obviously want to win every game.”
Cardiff RFC Squad 2022-23
Full Back: Cameron Winnett, Jacob Beetham
Wing: Joe Goodchild, James Beale, Dewi Cross, George Gasson
Centre: Ioan Evans, Arron Pinches, Ryan Wilkins, Harrison James
Outside Half: Ben Burnell, Dan Fish
Scrum Half: Ethan Lloyd, Tom Habberfield, Joe WilliamsLH Props: Brynley Toms, Theo Bevacqua, Rhys Barrett, Marc Thomas
TH Props: Scott Andrews, Olly Drake, Adam Williams, Freddie Barnes
Hooker: Efan Daniel, Alun Rees, Joey Tomlinson, Evan Lloyd
2nd Row: Rhys Anstey, Joe Peard, Owain Lloyd, Sean Moore, James Richards
Back Row: Gwilym Bradley, Alex Mann, Nathan Hudd, Gwilym Evans, Ellis Thomas
No 8: Morgan Allen, Mackenzie Martin
