The Blues face regional rivals the Ospreys in a friendly this Friday
FOLLOWING a year away from home, the Cardiff Blues are hoping for a triumphant return to the Arms Park on Friday, despite fans being absent.
Dai Young’s men will be taking on the Ospreys, ahead of the home-stretch in the Guinness PRO14 competition.
This will be their first fixture back at the Arms Park since February last year after the ground was used to support the Dragon’s Heart Hospital in the Principality Stadium next door.
“It will be brilliant for all of us to get back to the Arms Park. We have been training there for the last few weeks and it’s a fantastic new surface, which is conducive to attacking rugby,” said Dai Young, Cardiff Blues’ interim Director of Rugby.
The Dragon’s Heart Hospital was decommissioned by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board back in September. However, extensive damage to the 3G pitch delayed the Blues’ return home.
Since March, the side have trained at Pentwyn Leisure Centre, despite opposition from some residents.
The team had taken up residence at Rodney Parade in Newport, home to the Dragons and Newport County A.F.C, for their home matches.
Newport County’s progress in the FA Cup forced the Blues to move to the Cardiff City Stadium, alongside regional rivals the Ospreys and Scarlets.
The stadium was previously home to the Blues from 2009 to 2012.
Maximising this game time before the next block of PRO14 fixtures will be crucial for the Blues, as several players are returning from injury.
Young, who returned as the interim Director of Rugby back in January, after a 10 year absence, added: “We have an important block of fixtures approaching and this gives me the chance to see what players, who may have not featured over Christmas, are really about in a competitive encounter.
“The boys involved will be eager to get back out on the pitch and can put their hands up for selection in the weeks ahead and ensure competition for places is fierce”.
One player returning is flanker Ellis Jenkins. He has been out of action since November 2018, after suffering a devastating knee injury during Wales’ historic 20-11 win against South Africa.
The 27-year-old has been a core part of the Blues since his debut in 2011 and his return will provide much needed leadership and stability to the side.
They currently sit third in Conference B on 26 points, having won six and lost six of their twelve games so far this season.
Back-to-back victories against the Scarlets has seen them on a strong run of form recently. The Blues will be hoping that continues before they face Connacht on February 20.
- Cardiff Blues v Ospreys kicks off at 2:30pm GMT on Friday, February 12 live (in English and Welsh) on S4C Clic.
