Ben Blair last played during the Amlin final against Toulon in May 2010

After 15 months out with a knee injury Ben Blair returns to rugby this weekend

Having suffered a knee injury in the Heineken Cup match against Castres in October 2010, Cardiff Blues fullback Ben Blair returns to action to face Gloucester this weekend.

The Blues take on Gloucester at Kingsholm on Saturday 28 January at 3pm and Blair is relieved to be back on the pitch after such a long time out of the game.

Speaking at the Vale of Glamorgan training centre Blair said: “It’s been a hugely frustrating period for me both on and off the pitch over the last 15 months. When I first injured the knee back in October 2010 I don’t think anyone expected it to take so long to get back.

“It’s been extremely hard both mentally and physically to get to the position where I am able to play again, so I’m just looking forward to finally having a match. The rehab work on the knee has gone well and it feels good. I’ve really missed playing so it will be good to get a run out on Saturday.”

Speaking of Blair’s return, Cardiff Blues backs coach Gareth Baber added:

“Ben brings a vast amount of experience having been a solid front line player for us for the past five to six seasons, so it’s good to have him back.

“Obviously he’s been out for a long time with his knee injury but we hope to see him back to his kicking best and controlling the back three for us, solid under high balls and driving our attack in wide areas. He’s trained hard by himself doing a lot of rehabilitation and seems to be right back up there with his fitness scores, and has performed well alongside the players in rugby training.”