News

Key duo commit to Cardiff

February 09 2010

Cardiff Blues have confirmed that prop Taufa'ao Filise and centre Dafydd Hewitt have signed new contracts.

The 29-cap Filise, who grew up in Tonga and went to Tupou College in Nuku'alofa, is a huge presence on the rugby field, weighing in at close to 20 stone and standing at a towering 6'4".

The giant front-row forward can also play on both sides of the scrum joined the Blues from Bath in May 2006. Since arriving, Filise has played 87 matches with his powerful rampaging runs causing havoc in the opposition ranks.

Dafydd Hewitt, a product of the Blues Academy in Trefforest, made his debut for the Cardiff Blues in January 2006 against Edinburgh.

In the summer of that year he captained Wales in the IRB U21 World Cup tournament in France before returning home for surgery after fracturing his cheekbone and eye socket against Argentina.

A skilful and creative midfield player, the 24-year-old is also immensely strong, often breaking the first line of defence and a solid tackler. He has played 25 times for the Blues scoring two tries.

"It's great news that both Fau and Dafydd have signed new contract with the region, which follows on from the news this week that Ben Blair has also signed a contract extension," said Director of Rugby, David Young.

"Fau has been in fantastic form for us this season, with his ball carrying and powerful runs always posing a threat to the opposition.

"We've been really pleased with the progress he's made since joining us.

"Dafydd Hewitt is a product of the Blues Academy in Trefforest and is one of the most promising young Centres in Wales.

"He is gradually gaining more and more experience and is certainly a player to look out for in the future.

"Both players are an integral part of our plans going forward with the Blues."