Marc Thomas returns to the Arms Park after his move to Pontypool RFC last season, where he made eight appearances. The loosehead has also appeared for Harlequins, Worcester Warriors, and the Ospreys, where he made 42 appearances for the region. The seasoned front-rower will add real experience and support the continued development of the young front-row talent at the club.
A three-time British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) Super Rugby finalist with Exeter University, Jarred Williams has a genuine desire to push his game on at the Arms Park. The former Cardiff and Vale College student made 58 appearances for the 2022 and 2023 BUCS National Champions and scored twice.
Former Wales U18 and Ospreys back-rower Benji Williams will be returning to The Blue and Blacks after time away from the club where he played for Cardiff Met. At the conclusion of the 2023/2024 BUCS Super Rugby season, the number eight was named in the team of the season and was the only Welsh University student named in the XV.
Mountain Ash product, tighthead Thomas Harper makes the move to The Blue and Blacks after time with Pontypridd. The former Swansea University student helped his side gain promotion to the BUCS League, where he also got his first taste of Premiership rugby with Swansea RFC back in 2018 and has made appearances for the Valley Commandos with aplomb over the last few seasons.
Another recruit from Sardis Road is Aled Ward, who is a former Cardiff Rugby Academy player who represented Wales at both U18 and U20 level. He has also represented Cardiff Met where he also carried out his studies. After that, he also spent time at English Championship side Hartpury RFC before crossing back over the Severn Bridge to join Pontypridd RFC. The versatile backrower can cover all three positions.
Hooker Charlie Manship is another Cardiff Rugby pathway product who has represented Cardiff Rugby at both U16’s and U18’s. In the 2023/24 season, Marship was a regular starter for Bristol Bears U18s whilst attending Hartpury College
From one hooker to another, Gavin Parry, who has also played for Cardiff Rugby Academy, returns having recently represented Scotland U20s and Boroughmuir. Some Blue and Black supporters may remember that the experienced Welsh Premiership player with Pontypridd was also named on the bench for The Blue and Black’s game against Carmarthen Quins in April.
Within the backline, Cardiff RFC are delighted to announce the signing of outside-half Josh Thomas to the Arms Park from Newcastle Falcons. Thomas has had experience with the Ospreys Academy and senior squad and has also represented Wales U20’s. The former Gallagher Premiership player can also play at full-back and provides a left-footed kicking option for The Blue and Blacks. After, signing with the Falcons in the summer of 2022, scoring 17 points in nine appearances.
The Blue and Blacks Academy players
The Cardiff Rugby Academy players which will be representing The Blue and Blacks include, Cam TylerGrocott who recently won the Academy Player of the season at the end of seasons awards. The other players include, Wales U20’s stars Matty Young and Kodie Stone. Harri Wilde and Evan Rees are among the names with Sion Davies at scrum-half being included. In the centre both Elijah Evans Osian Darwin-Lewis have been selected with Tom Bowen being chosen to represent from fullback. Within the front-row Harrison Rock has been included.
On the eight new signings and also the 2023/24 season as a whole, Director of Coaching Gruff Rees said: “We are really excited by the new Super Rygbi Cymru league and, despite a few retirements, we are really pleased with the recruitment of new players that 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.
“Alongside the core squad members, who are integral to running this programme successfully and are delighted that they have committed again, and with a strong academy presence we aim to play a thrilling brand of rugby and be highly competitive again in the new league.”
Words By Harry Tovey
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