CARDIFF'S hopes of defending their WRU National Cup title and bidding for Indigo Premiership success have been hit by the departure of star duo Joey Tomlinson and Martin Roberts.
The Blue and Blacks sealed cup glory for the first time in 22 years last season with hooker and captain Tomlinson a standout figure and Roberts in fine form at scrum-half.
Both players have now left the club. Ex-Ospreys scrum-half Tom Habberfield and former Cardiff Met and Ealing Trailfinders man Ben Williams will fill the No 9 void.
“We weren't able to agree new terms with Martin when he came out of contract at the end of the season and at the moment he is without a club,” explained Cardiff head coach Steve Law.
“We've brought in Tom and Ben to fill the vacancy at scrum-half and unfortunately Joey has gone to live and work in Canada for a little while. He'll be a huge miss.” Cardiff finished second in the Premiership last term in what was their best campaign for a long time, but Law has also seen hardrunning centre Will Rees-Hole depart.
“Will is taking a year out,” added Law. “I've told all the players to expect the toughest pre-season ever because the 12-team Premiership next season is going to be harder than ever. “ Last season's RGC 1404 skipper Evan Yardley is coming in to fill the hooking gap left by Tomlinson.
Behind the scrum Wales U20 and Dragons player, Barney Nightingale, ex-Cross Keys skipper Leon Andrews, and ex- Edinburgh and Dragons centre Sam Beard are all new midfield options.
Props Ollie Drake, Brynley Toms, outside-half Joe Scrivens and back-row trio Nathan Hudd, Lloyd Pike and ex-Dragons and Wales U20 star James Thomas have also signed on.
