News

Cooper keen to shine in Cardiff

July 15 2009

New signing Gareth Cooper admits he cannot wait for the Magners League to commence following his end-of-term move to Cardiff Blues.

The 2005 British & Irish Lion returns to Wales this year after stints with Bath and the Dragons before his move to Gloucester back in 2007.

But now back alongside some old familiar faces, the 30-year-old Cooper revealed that leaving Kingsholm for the Blues was an easy decision, particularly after their performances last season.

"When I was studying at UWIC, many years ago now, I played a few games for the Cardiff RFC second team and then when I first went to Bath I was loaned out for two matches," he said, speaking to the club's official website.

"Rob Howley just got the nod ahead of me for those two matches but I did have some game time coming off the bench.

"It was an easy decision to come back to Wales and especially to the Blues. They are a great team, as they showed last season. I played against them three times and was on the losing side all three times.

"They play an exciting brand of rugby and hopefully I can get as much game time as possible with them.

"The training facilities at the Vale and the new stadium are also first rate so it was a bit of a no brainer for me."

Cooper is this season expected to combine with Ceri Sweeney at half-back under David Young's guidance after both Jason Spice and Nicky Robinson opted for pastures new.

And it's a prospect that the experienced number nine is clearly delighted about after he lavished praise on his former Rodney Parade team-mate.

"I've played with Ceri Sweeney at outside half for four years with the Warriors and the Dragons," he continued.

"He's a great outside half, great tackler, good passer, very vocal and get's the backline moving well.

"It's been great to catch up with some old friends, especially the Bridgend boys: Alfie, Gareth Williams and Deiniol, so I've settled in well and can't wait for the new season to start."