Among the leavers were two stalwart players, who both captained the Arms Park club to honours, in hooker Joey Tomlinson and No 8 Morgan Allen. Others on the way out are James Beal, Jacob Lloyd, Arron Pinches, Harrison James, Eddie Drake, Ollie Evans and Freddie Barnes.
Joining the club to work under new head coach Dan Fish will be former Wales U20 No 8 Benji Williams, who was named in last season’s BUCS Super Rugby Dream Team, ex-Wales U20 and Newcastle Falcons outside half Josh Thomas and former Pontypridd forwards Aled Ward and Tom Harper.
The well-travelled Marc Thomas is returning for a second spell at the Arms Park to provide a wealth of experience to the front row, while another prop recruit is ex-Cardiff & Vale College product Jarred Williams. He was at the heart of the Exeter University sides that won the BUCS Super League in 2022 and 2023, and also reached this year’s final.
Two players who graduated through the Cardiff Rugby pathway, hookers Charlie Manship and Gavin Parry, having also signed-up for next season.
Fish and his coaching team will also have 10 Cardiff Rugby academy players to utilize during the new campaign – Matty Young (full back), Tom Bowen (full back), Kodie Stone (wing), Elijah Evans (centre), Osian Darwin-Lewis (centre), Harri Wilde (outside half), Sion Davies (scrum half), Cameron Tyler-Grocott (loose head), Harrison Rock (tight head) and Evan Rees (back row)
“Despite a few retirements, we are really pleased with the recruitment of new players. They will add huge energy and enthusiasm to the environment as well as genuine rugby quality that fits in with the purpose of the league and our high-performance culture at the Arms Park,” said Cardiff’s director of coaching, Gruff Rees.
“Alongside the core squad members, who are integral to the successful running of this programme and who we are delighted to see commit themselves again, and with a strong academy presence, we aim to play a thrilling brand of rugby and be highly competitive once again in the new league.”
