Blues move in for Sweeney

Feb 7 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

CARDIFF Blues have started their recruitment process for next season by snapping up Wales outside-half Ceri Sweeney from the Newport Gwent Dragons.

After securing the long-term futures of captain Xavier Rush, Ben Blair, Tom Shanklin, Gethin Jenkins and Robin Sowden-Taylor, the region have moved to bring in some new faces for the beginning of the next campaign.

The Echo understands the Blues have turned to Sweeney, who is out of contract with the Dragons at the end of the season.

The 28-year- old was linked with a move to the Arms Park last season but chose on that occasion to sign a one-year extension at Rodney Parade.

But Sweeney is now set to complete a two-year deal to become the Blues’ first major signing for next season and he will battle it out with Nicky Robinson for the outside-half jersey, with Dai Flanagan and Nick Macleod also in the regions ranks.

Sweeney is currently out of the Wales Six Nations squad but has played 35 times for his country and was part of the World Cup squad.

He joined the Dragons from the defunct Celtic Warriors in 2004 and has scored 543 points in 80 appearances. The cash-strapped Dragons are facing losing another Wales international after Grand Slam-winning No.8 Michael Owen announced last month he was leaving to join Saracens, although coach Paul Turner has committed his future to the region.

Shanks return: Pages 50-51