Editing Cardiff Rugby

{{short description|Professional Welsh regional rugby union team}}
{{for|the team competing in Super Rygbi Cymru |Cardiff RFC}}
{{EngvarB|date=June 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox rugby team
| teamname       = Cardiff Rugby
| union          = [[Welsh Rugby Union]]
| nickname       = Blue and Blacks
| image          = Cardiff Rugby logo (2021).jpg
| imagesize      = 145px
| shortname      = 
| founded        = 1876
| ground         = [[Cardiff Arms Park]]
| capacity       = 12,125
| location       = [[Cardiff]], Wales
| chairman       = Alun Jones<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |title=Board & Management |url=https://www.cardiffblues.com/board-management |publisher=Cardiff Blues}}</ref>
| ceo            = Richard Holland<ref name="auto1"/>
| president      = [[Gareth Edwards (rugby union)|Gareth Edwards]] (honorary)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-18 |title=Cardiff Rugby to change hands as new owners confirmed |url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/cardiff-rugby-issue-statement-on-change-of-ownership/ |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=www.rugbypass.com |language=en}}</ref>
| rugby director = 
| coach          = [[Matt Sherratt]]
| captain        = [[Liam Belcher]]
| appearances           = [[Lloyd Williams (rugby union, born 1989)|Lloyd Williams]] (256) <ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffblues.com/|title=Cardiff Blues|website=cardiffblues.com|access-date=10 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331112828/https://www.cardiffblues.com/|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| top scorer     = [[Ben Blair]] (1078) <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cardiffblues.com/player-profile/ben-blair-113|title=Ben Blair|first=upriseVSI|last=www.uprisevsi.co.uk|website=upriseVSI}}</ref>
| most tries     = [[Tom James (rugby union, born 1987)|Tom James]] (60) <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cardiffblues.com/player-profile/tom-james-155|title=Tom James|first=upriseVSI|last=www.uprisevsi.co.uk|website=upriseVSI}}</ref>
| league         = [[United Rugby Championship]]
| season         = [[2023–24 United Rugby Championship|2023–24]]
| position       = 12th (Welsh Shield: 3rd)

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| pattern_so1    = _sky_blue_on_top
| leftarm1       = 000000
| body1          = 71C8F3
| rightarm1      = 71C8F3
| shorts1        = 000000
| socks1         = 000000
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| url            = https://cardiffrugby.wales/
| currentseason  = 2024–25 Cardiff Rugby season
}}
'''Cardiff Rugby''' ({{langx|cy| Rygbi Caerdydd}}) are one of the four professional Welsh [[rugby union]] teams. 
Based in [[Cardiff]], the team play at [[Cardiff Arms Park]].<ref name="Our Story {{pipe}} Cardiff Blues">{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/our-story | title=Our Story {{pipe}} Cardiff Blues|website=Cardiffrugby.wales}}</ref> Originally formed in 1876,<ref name="cf10rugbytrust.org">{{cite web | url=https://cf10rugbytrust.org/blog/uproar-suggestions-cardiff-rugby-merger | title=Uproar at Suggestions of Cardiff Rugby Merger | date=13 April 2017 }}</ref> from 2003 to 2021 the first team was known as the '''Cardiff Blues''' before rebranding back to Cardiff Rugby prior to the start of the 2021–22 season.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-03-01 |title=Introducing... Cardiff Rugby |url=https://cardiffblues.com/news/introducing-cardiff-rugby |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301120247/https://cardiffblues.com/news/introducing-cardiff-rugby |archive-date=2021-03-01 |access-date=2021-05-01 |website=Cardiff Blues}}</ref>

Cardiff have provided more players to the [[Wales national rugby union team|Welsh]] national side and [[British and Irish Lions]] than any other Welsh club.

They are one of a small number of clubs to have beaten the three major Southern Hemisphere international sides. [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]],<ref name="Parry-Jones63">Parry-Jones (1989), pg 63</ref> [[All Blacks|New Zealand]],<ref name="Parry-Jones64">Parry-Jones (1989), pg 64</ref> and [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]]. The latter have been defeated by Cardiff on six occasions.

They won [[European Challenge Cup]] titles in 2010 and 2018, beating [[Toulon Rugby|Toulon]] and [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]] respectively. Cardiff most recently made the knockout stages of the [[European Rugby Champions Cup]] in 2012.

Between 2005 and 2018, they also competed in the [[Anglo-Welsh Cup]] and won the 2009 title, beating Gloucester at [[Twickenham]].

Today they compete in the [[United Rugby Championship]] and in [[European Professional Club Rugby]] competitions.

The club also runs one of the five Welsh rugby academies, age group teams and the semi professional [[Cardiff RFC]] side, affectionately nicknamed "The Rags",<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/cardiff-confirm-two-double-headers-with-the-rags | title=Cardiff confirm two double headers with the Rags }}</ref> which competes in  [[Super Rygbi Cymru]].

{{toclimit|3}}

==History==

=== Origins ===
The first reliably recorded Rugby club in Cardiff were Tredegarville,<ref name="cf10rugbytrust.org"/> who began playing around 1870. By 1874 a team named Glamorgan FC had been formed and in 1876 they merged with Cardiff Wanderers to form the Cardiff Football Club.<ref name="cf10rugbytrust.org"/> At the time, association football was little known in South Wales and it was not until the 20th century that the team became known as Cardiff Rugby Football Club.

Cardiff FC played their first fixture on 2 December 1876,<ref name="Davies19">Davies (1975), pg 19</ref> versus Newport at Wentloog Marshes. In 1881, Cardiff beat [[Llanelli RFC|Llanelli]] to win the South Wales Challenge Cup, though the tournament was scrapped soon after due to persistent crowd trouble.

=== Hancock and the four three quarter system ===

In 1885 under [[Frank Hancock]], Cardiff began playing with seven backs and eight forwards and perfected what was known at the time as "the passing game".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.world.rugby/halloffame/inductees/44 | title=Frank Hancock - World Rugby - Hall of Fame }}</ref> Up until this time, rugby had been played with 9 forwards and 6 backs, with play focused on forward exchanges. Hancock's methods for the first time utilised the full width of the pitch and clever timing of passes to make use of overlaps. He banned his players from kicking penalties and drop goals. For the whole of the 1885–86 season, Cardiff would only score through tries and conversions. They won all but one game all season. Crowds flocked to the Arms Park and the Cardiff style of play helped make rugby football hugely popular throughout the city and surrounding areas. Giving the club a huge well of talent on which to draw from.

These innovations eventually spread throughout the rugby world and in 2011 earned the club a place in the [[World Rugby Hall of Fame]],<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2042507.html#hancock+cardiff+inducted+hall+fame |title=Hancock and Cardiff inducted to Hall of Fame |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=6 May 2011 |access-date=7 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509234411/http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid%3D2042507.html |archive-date=9 May 2011 }}</ref> one of only three clubs to have this honour. Several former Cardiff players including [[Gwyn Nicholls]], [[Bleddyn Williams]], [[Cliff Morgan]], [[Gareth Edwards (rugby union)|Gareth Edwards]], [[Barry John]] and [[Gerald Davies]] are also members of the Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.world.rugby/halloffame |title=World Rugby - Hall of Fame |access-date=8 June 2022 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601063544/https://www.world.rugby/halloffame |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Early glory ===

{{multiple image|perrow = 2|total_width=350|align=right
| image1 = Gwyn Nicholls Memorial Gates 02.jpg|width1=1805|height1=1982
| image2 = Gwyn Nicholls Memorial Gates 01.jpg|width2=1785|height2=1904
| footer_align = center
| footer = [[Gwyn Nicholls]] Memorial Gates to Cardiff Arms Park.
}}
In 1898, Cardiff were unofficial club champions of Wales for the first time. One year later, centre [[Gwyn Nicholls]] became the first Cardiff player to play for the British and Irish Lions (then only representing the British Isles), and scored a try in both the first and second Tests against Australia. Nicholls would also go on to captain Wales between 1902 and 1906. In 1904, Cardiff players fly-half [[Percy Bush]], centre [[Rhys Gabe]] (who later captained Wales in 1907) and [[Arthur Harding|Arthur 'Boxer' Harding]] all went on the Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand (Nicholls was not selected). Bush scored in the first and second test against Australia, as Nicholls had, and thanks to his tries and goal-kicking during the first three Tests, finished as the top Test points scorer. Gabe scored a try in the third test against Australia, while Harding converted a try in the first Test and was the only Lions player to get on the score sheet against New Zealand, after scoring a penalty goal in the game against them at the end of the tour.

In 1905, there were four Cardiff players in the Wales team that famously beat New Zealand: Harding, Nicholls, Bush, Gabe and [[Bert Winfield]], who would go on to captain Wales three years later.  After an eight-year wait, Cardiff also managed to win the unofficial Welsh club championship in 1906 (going unbeaten in every game they played apart from against New Zealand)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1143|title=Cardiff RFC Season Review 1905 - 1906 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908031505/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1143|archive-date=8 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and 1907.

[[File:Cardiffrugby v southafrica 1907.jpg|thumb|left|A moment of the match where Cardiff beat South Africa 17–0 at Arms Park]]
On New Year's Day 1907, Cardiff beat South Africa 17–0, a great achievement considering the national side had been beaten 11–0 by the Boks only a month earlier, and France were thrashed by them 55–6 two days later. The only other team to beat South Africa during their 29-match tour were Scotland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1144|title=Cardiff RFC Season Review 1906 - 1907 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908032432/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1144|archive-date=8 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

After this performance, and Wales winning the Five Nations Grand Slam for the first time in 1908,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/sixnations/slams/grand_slam_1908.php|title=Grand Slam 1908 : 11 Grand Slams - RBS 6 Nations - Welsh Rugby Union - Official Website|website=Wru.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403081226/http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/sixnations/slams/grand_slam_1908.php|archive-date=3 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> four Cardiff players were selected for the Lions in 1908. Harding was selected as the first Cardiff player to captain the tour and was the only one of the four to have played for the Lions before, the other three being uncapped half-back [[William Llewellyn Morgan|Willie Morgan]], and three-quarters [[Johnny Williams (rugby union, born 1882)|Johnny Williams]] and [[Reggie Gibbs]]. Gibbs remains the only player to have been capped for Wales at least 10 times and averaged more than a try a game, with 17 tries in 16 caps,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_player_archive.php?player=25978&includeref=dynamic|title=Wales Players : Searchable|website=Wru.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725002017/http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_player_archive.php?includeref=dynamic&player=25978|archive-date=25 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and Williams came very close to his record with 17 tries in 17 Tests.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_player_archive.php?player=26403&includeref=dynamic|title=Wales Players : Searchable|website=Wru.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724233104/http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_player_archive.php?includeref=dynamic&player=26403|archive-date=24 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The tour was not a success, with the Lions managing to draw the second Test but losing the first and third by over twenty-five points each. However, Gibbs did manage to score in the first Test. The disappointed players made up for their failure the next year by winning the Grand Slam with Wales for the second time in a row<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/sixnations/slams/grand_slam_1909.php|title=Grand Slam 1909 : 11 Grand Slams - RBS 6 Nations - Welsh Rugby Union - Official Website|website=Wru.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403064143/http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/sixnations/slams/grand_slam_1909.php|archive-date=3 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and winning the unofficial championship with Cardiff. Cardiff also beat Australia 24–8 on 28 December 1908.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1146|title=Cardiff RFC Season Review 1908 - 1909 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140726142447/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1146|archive-date=26 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
However, following this, the glory years were largely over for Cardiff and Wales, although Wales did manage to win the Grand Slam in 1911,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/sixnations/slams/grand_slam_1911.php|title=Grand Slam 1911 : 11 Grand Slams - RBS 6 Nations - Welsh Rugby Union - Official Website|website=Wru.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403072915/http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/sixnations/slams/grand_slam_1911.php|archive-date=3 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and Cardiff came within one point of beating South Africa in a 7–6 defeat in 1912.

====Between the wars====
The First World War certainly had some effect on the club – Johnnie Williams died in the first weeks of the Battle of the Somme, and many other players returned wounded or simply too old to play rugby. Cardiff were forced to turn to younger talent for their team. [[Jim Sullivan (Welsh rugby league)|Jim Sullivan]] was a prime example of this, making his first appearance for Cardiff at the age of 16 in October 1920, and went on to make 38 appearances over the rest of the season. In December 1920, just after his 17th birthday, he became the youngest player to ever appear for the Barbarians. However, in June 1921 he signed for professional rugby league club Wigan, beginning a new trend of Welsh union players "going north" to play rugby league.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1154|title=Cardiff RFC Season Review 1920 - 1921 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717055246/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1154|archive-date=17 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In 1922, Cardiff Rugby Club and [[Cardiff Cricket Club]] would form the [[Cardiff Athletic Club]],<ref name="Cricket">{{cite web |title=Cardiff Arms Park – a short History by Andrew Hignell – Cardiff Athletic Club |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Glamorgan/History/Cardiff_Arms_Park/Athletics.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522083706/http://cricketarchive.com/Glamorgan/History/Cardiff_Arms_Park/Athletics.html |archive-date=22 May 2011 |access-date=14 May 2008 |publisher=Glamorgan County Cricket Club & CricketArchive |df=dmy-all}}</ref> and then purchased [[Cardiff Arms Park]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cardiff's first home |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/cardiff-s-first-home-60134 |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

In the 1930s, Scrum-half [[Howard Poole]], although never capped for Wales, was selected to play for the Lions in 1930, as was Ivor Williams in 1938.  The club also won their first unofficial Welsh championship for 28 years in 1937, and managed to retain the title in 1938 and 1939, before the start of the Second World War.

====After the Second World War====
After the resumption of regular rugby, Cardiff beat Australia 11–3 on 21 November 1947, captained by scrum-half [[Haydn Tanner]]<ref name="cardiffrfc.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1176|title=Cardiff RFC Season Review 1947 - 1948 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908031913/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1176|archive-date=8 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and were also unofficial Welsh champions in 1947/48, when [[Bleddyn Williams]] set a club record of 41 tries in one season,<ref name="cardiffrfc.com"/> and 1948/49, when the Blue and Blacks went completely unbeaten against Welsh opposition, only Swansea and Newport succeeding in salvaging draws.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1177|title=Cardiff RFC Season Review 1948 - 1949 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314205532/http://cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1177|archive-date=14 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The club had a fantastic record against Newport during these years, going 15 games unbeaten against them between 1946 and 1950.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Matches/FixturesAndResultsIn/1947|title=Fixtures And Results 1946/1947 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415085845/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Matches/FixturesAndResultsIn/1947|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Matches/FixturesAndResultsIn/1948|title=Fixtures And Results 1947/1948 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415080239/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Matches/FixturesAndResultsIn/1948|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Matches/FixturesAndResultsIn/1949|title=Fixtures And Results 1948/1949 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415095554/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Matches/FixturesAndResultsIn/1949|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Matches/FixturesAndResultsIn/1950|title=Fixtures And Results 1949/1950 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415093539/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Matches/FixturesAndResultsIn/1950|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Cardiff players helped Wales win their first Grand Slam in nearly forty years in 1950, and later that year supplied five players to the Lions for the first time later that year. The five were fly-half [[Billy Cleaver]], prop [[Cliff Davies (rugby union)|Cliff Davies]], centre [[Jack Matthews (rugby union)|Jack Matthews]], scrum-half [[Rex Willis]] and [[Bleddyn Williams]], the "Prince of Centres". Williams captained the Lions in the third and fourth Tests against New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lionsrugby.com/history/legends/bleddyn_williams.php |title=Legends {{pipe}} History {{pipe}} British & Irish Lions {{pipe}} Rugby {{pipe}} Official Website : Bleddyn Williams |access-date=2014-07-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728082505/http://www.lionsrugby.com/history/legends/bleddyn_williams.php |archive-date=28 July 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Wales won another Grand Slam in 1952, with much the same side.

In 1952–53, Cardiff won the unofficial Welsh championship again, helped by the rise of prodigiously talented fly-half Cliff Morgan, but the best was still to come. On 21 November 1953, Cardiff faced New Zealand in front of a crowd of 56,000 at the Arms Park and, after a brilliant defensive effort following a 5–0 lead at half-time, hung on to win 8–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/56000-watch-cardiff-defeat-blacks-2017904|title=56,000 watch Cardiff defeat the All Blacks|last=WalesOnline|date=20 November 2012|website=walesonline.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412090932/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/56000-watch-cardiff-defeat-blacks-2017904|archive-date=12 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Five Cardiff backs were selected in the Wales team captained by Bleddyn Williams that beat the All Blacks again less than a month later. These two results remain the last time either Cardiff or Wales have beaten New Zealand.

Cardiff repeated their unofficial championship victory two years later in 1955, and had three Lions in the 1955 touring side, notable for not including any of the five that toured in 1950. The three this time were fly-half Morgan, centre [[Gareth Griffiths (rugby union)|Gareth Griffiths]] and wing [[Haydn Morris]]. Morgan, in front of a then-world record crowd of 100,000, helped defeat the South Africans 23–22 with a brilliant try despite an injury to Reg Higgins reducing the Lions to 14 men (no replacements were allowed at this time). After the South Africans squared the series in the second Test, Morgan was made captain for the third Test and inspired the team with a combination a stirring team talk and a great kicking game to a 9–6 victory, ensuring the series could not be lost, after which he was dubbed "Morgan the Magnificent" by the South African press.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lionsrugby.com/history/legends/cliff_morgan.php |title=Legends {{pipe}} History {{pipe}} British & Irish Lions {{pipe}} Rugby {{pipe}} Official Website : Cliff Morgan |access-date=2014-01-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202230647/http://www.lionsrugby.com/history/legends/cliff_morgan.php |archive-date=2 February 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> After his Lions heroics Morgan was made captain of Wales, and helped them win the title (although not the Grand Slam) in 1956.

Australia played against and were defeated by Cardiff for the third time in 1957, 14–11 thanks to two great tries from [[Gordon Wells]], after which a reporter from the [[The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|Sydney Daily Telegraph]] wrote "we fell to the world's best rugby union club", and another unofficial championship title was secured in 1957–58, but only second row Bill "Roddy" Evans was selected for the Lions in 1959, although he started four of the six Tests. A downturn in Welsh and Cardiff fortunes occurred around this time, although prop [[Kingsley Jones (rugby union, born 1935)|Kingsley Jones]] and second row [[Keith Rowlands]] from the club were still selected for the 1962 Lions tour, and Cardiff managed to come within a point of beating the All Blacks again in 1963, scoring the only try of the game. However, the slump began to end in 1964, when Wales shared the Five Nations title with Scotland, after which Wales won the Triple Crown and the title in 1965, followed by another championship in 1966, although the Grand Slam still eluded them. However, these successes helped Cardiff players centre [[Ken Jones (rugby union, born 1941)|Ken Jones]] and prop [[Howard Norris]] win places on the Lions tour to New Zealand. Later that year Cardiff beat Australia 14–8,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1195|title=Cardiff RFC Season Review 1966 - 1967 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717033717/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1195|archive-date=17 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> although Wales were not able to repeat the feat a month later, losing 14–11.

The 1968 Lions tour was a historic one, containing a record six Cardiff players, wings [[Keri Jones]] and [[Maurice Richards]], prop [[John O'Shea (rugby union)|John O'Shea]], (then) centre [[Gerald Davies]], fly-half [[Barry John]] and scrum-half [[Gareth Edwards (rugby union)|Gareth Edwards]]. While Jones and Richards would soon switch codes to play rugby league and O'Shea's tour would be marred somewhat by being the first Lion ever to be sent off for foul play, Davies, John and Edwards would go on to become legends, although their careers got off to inauspicious starts, the Lions losing three of the Tests again South Africa and only drawing the other one.

On the domestic front, they were denied silverware, as despite being top of the unofficial table for almost the whole season, the loss of their six Lions at the end of the season allowed Llanelli to overtake them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1196|title=Cardiff RFC Season Review 1967 - 1968 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716145040/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1196|archive-date=16 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Cardiff again finished second behind Newport the next year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1197|title=Cardiff RFC Season Review 1968 - 1969 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908030917/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Page/Content/1197|archive-date=8 September 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> with Richards the only Lion to make more than 20 appearances. However, Wales won the Five Nations title and Triple Crown in 1969, only denied the Grand Slam by a draw in France, only to be whitewashed in three games against New Zealand and Australia in the summer.

====1970s====
1971 however, was the year in which John, Edwards and Davies would write themselves into history. Davies by this time had left for London Welsh, although he would later return. In the spring, they were all ever-presents in Wales's first Grand Slam in 18 years, and in the summer, they were selected for the Lions tour to New Zealand, along with Cardiff teammate [[John Bevan (rugby)|John Bevan]]. The tour remains the only occasion where the Lions have returned victorious from New Zealand. All four Cardiff players started the first Test, and all except Bevan played in the other three Tests. Despite only playing in the first Test, John Bevan became the Lions' record try scorer (including matches against club teams) with 17. Barry John was given the title "King Barry" by the New Zealanders after scoring 30 of the Lions' 48 points, and in him and Edwards, Cardiff could justifiably be said to have the best two half-backs in the world.

1971–72 was the first season where the WRU Challenge Cup was introduced. Cardiff reached the semi-final, before being beaten 16–9 at the Brewery Field by Neath, who went on to beat Llanelli in the final.<ref name="rugbyarchive.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyarchive.net/Pagine/PaginaCompetizioni.aspx?ID=74 |title=- the history of rugby through its competitions |access-date=2014-07-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011143655/http://www.rugbyarchive.net/pagine/PaginaCompetizioni.aspx?ID=74 |archive-date=11 October 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Unfortunately in 1972 Barry John announced his decision to retire at the age of 27, not liking the celebrity status shoved on him and his family after the Lions tour.

The next season was also disappointing for Cardiff, although fullback John Davies scored a club record of 209 points (in his first season for the club). They were soundly beaten by New Zealand 20–4, only a week after Llanelli had beaten them 9–3. In the Cup, they defeated South Wales Police, Mountain Ash, Ebbw Vale, Blaina and Swansea on their way to the final, but were again outclassed and lost 30–7 to Llanelli. In 1973–74 Cardiff reached the Cup semi-finals for the third year running, but were defeated 9–4 by Aberavon. Gareth Edwards however, led his country to a 24–0 win over Australia in November 1973. In 1974, Gerald Davies decided to return to Cardiff from London Welsh. Edwards and Davies were picked for the 1974 Lions tour to South Africa (although Davies refused to go in protest against apartheid) and Edwards started all four Tests, where the Lions went unbeaten through all 22 matches and would probably have won all their games, but in the final Test the South African referee blew the final whist four minutes early with the scores level and the Lions camped on the South African line.

In 1974–75 Cardiff failed to reach the WRU Challenge Cup semi-finals for the first time, losing 13–12 to Bridgend in the third round, despite not conceding a try in the entire Cup. However, on 1 November 1975, Cardiff met Australia for the fifth time in their history and, for the fifth time defeated them, 14–9, despite the absence of Edwards due to influenza. Both Edwards and Davies represented Wales in the 1976 Five Nations Grand Slam. During 1976–77, Cardiff defeated Pontypool and Aberavon on their way to the Challenge Cup final, where they were beaten 16–15 by Newport. Edwards decided not to go on the 1977 Lions tour, to show loyalty to his company who had let him go on three Lions tours previously. However, another Cardiff scrum-half, uncapped [[Brynmor Williams]] was picked, and played in the first three Tests before being injured in the third.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Teams/Player?personId=101142|title=Brynmor Williams - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729011222/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Teams/Player?personId=101142|archive-date=29 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Both Davies and Edwards started for Wales in the 20–16 victory away to Ireland in the 1978 Five Nations that sealed a record three Triple Crowns in as many years, with Edwards also starting the next week and also dropping a goal in the 16–7 victory against France that sealed Wales their third Grand Slam in eight years. This was Gareth Edwards' final match for Wales – he had won 53 consecutive caps, never being dropped or injured, and scored 20 tries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_player_archive.php?player=25930&includeref=dynamic|title=Wales Players : Searchable|website=Wru.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521151432/http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_player_archive.php?includeref=dynamic&player=25930|archive-date=21 May 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Gerald Davies also retired from Wales after a 19–17 defeat in Sydney – tied with Edwards on 20 tries, scored in 46 caps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_player_archive.php?player=25901&includeref=dynamic|title=Wales Players : Searchable|website=Wru.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724214428/http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_player_archive.php?includeref=dynamic&player=25901|archive-date=24 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In the 1977–78 club season, Davies had a fantastic game against Pontypool where despite only touching the ball four times due to the dominance of the Pooler pack, he scored four tries, with those being Cardiff's only points in a 16–11 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Teams/Player?personId=100466|title=Gerald Davies - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415102622/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Teams/Player?personId=100466|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Cardiff's cup run continued to the semi-finals, where they were beaten by Swansea 18–13.

====1980s====
Flanker [[Stuart Lane]], fly-half [[Gareth Davies (rugby union, born 1955)|Gareth Davies]], hooker [[Alan Phillips (rugby union)|Alan Phillips]] and scrum-half [[Terry Holmes]] from the club were chosen to tour with the Lions to South Africa in 1980, however Davies was the only one to start a Test match. The four went on to help Cardiff finally break their duck and win the WRU Challenge Cup (known as the Schweppes Cup for sponsorship reasons) with a 14–6 victory over Bridgend the following season, with Davies scoring two penalties and tries from centre Neil Hutchings and back-rower Robert Lakin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/106169|title=Match Report - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415085357/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/106169|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> They repeated the feat in 1982, winning on try count thanks to a score from prop [[Ian Eidman]] after a 12–12 draw again against Bridgend, with the other points coming from fly-half David Barry,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/106037|title=Match Report - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814024942/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/106037|archive-date=14 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and also ended a 24-year wait by winning the Unofficial Welsh Championship, thereby completing the club's first (and so far only) league and cup double.

In 1983, Terry Holmes was again picked for the Lions, this time alongside second row [[Bob Norster]]. Both players were picked for the first team but Holmes was injured in the first Test and Norster in the second, ending their tours.
Cardiff had been knocked in the quarter-finals of the 1982–83 cup by eventual winners Pontypool,<ref name="rugbyarchive.net"/> but made it up for it with a third triumph in four years, beating Neath 24–19 in the final with tries from flanker Owen Golding and wing [[Gerald Cordle]] and 16 points from Gareth Davies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105824|title=Match Report - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415104557/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105824|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Then, on 12 October 1984, they beat Australia 16–12, thanks to eight points from [[Gareth Davies (rugby union, born 1955)|Gareth Davies]] along with a penalty try and a score from [[Adrian Hadley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105776|title=Match Report - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814031013/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105776|archive-date=14 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The same Australian side went on to complete a "Grand Slam" (beating England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland). Australia haven't played Cardiff RFC since, leaving the club with a perfect record of six wins from six games against the Wallabies (although Cardiff Blues did lose to Australia 31–3 in 2009). 1985 was very nearly another successful year for the club, beating Neath and Pontypool on their way to the Schweppes Cup final where, despite tries from wing [[Gerald Cordle]] and captain [[Alan Phillips (rugby union)|Alan Phillips]] alongside two penalties from Gareth Davies, they fell to an agonising 15–14 defeat to Llanelli.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105728|title=Match Report - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415045313/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105728|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> After this, Terry Holmes left the club to play rugby league.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Teams/Player?personId=100931|title=Terry Holmes - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415100632/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Teams/Player?personId=100931|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The club bounced back immediately however, beating Newport in the final of 1985–86 cup final 28–21, with [[Adrian Hadley]] scoring a hat-trick, Holmes's replacement, scrum-half Neil O'Brien, bagging another try and 12 points coming from the boot of fly-half Gareth Davies<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105619|title=Match Report - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415055042/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105619|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> in his last game for the club against Welsh opposition before retiring. One year later, Cardiff were part of the first Challenge Cup final to go to extra time, with the scores 9–9 after 80 minutes, all Cardiff's points coming from the boot of Davies's replacement, Geraint John. [[Gerald Cordle]] scored to break the deadlock but the conversion was missed and Swansea scored a converted try soon after, putting them in the lead. But a late drop goal from full-back [[Mike Rayer]] won it for the Arms Park side capping one of the most successful periods in the club's history, with five Schweppes Cup victories in seven years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105515|title=Match Report - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415110206/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/105515|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In 1987, the first Rugby World Cup was held in New Zealand. Cardiff props [[Dai Young]], [[Jeff Whitefoot (rugby union)|Jeff Whitefoot]] and [[Steve Blackmore]], wing [[Adrian Hadley]], centre [[Mark Ring]] and hooker [[Alan Phillips (rugby union)|Alan Phillips]] all were selected in Wales's squad (Young was called up as an injury replacement) which finished third.
Cardiff's success began to tail off towards the end of the 1980s, with Adrian Hadley leaving for rugby league in 1988 and Gerald Cordle following in 89, and they could only manage two Cup quarter-finals and one semi-final appearance in the last three years of the decade. However, both Dai Young and Bob Norster were selected for the Lions tour to Australia in 1989, the only Lions team to come from 1–0 down to win the series. Young followed Hadley and Cordle to rugby league shortly after this, while Whitefoot and Norster both retired in 1990.

====League rugby====
In 1990, the unofficial Welsh championship was replaced by a league structure involving promotion and relegation. Cardiff competed in top flight but could only manage a fourth-place finish in 1990–91, and exited the Cup at the quarter-final stage. The season did involve some highlights however, such as beating league runners-up and Cup champions Llanelli 43–0 at the Arms Park and beating league champions Neath 18–4 away in the last game of the season.

1991–92 was possibly the club's worst-ever season, beset with disagreements between coach [[Alan Phillips (rugby union)|Alan Phillips]] and manager John Scott. Cardiff crashed out of the Cup before the quarter-final stage and lost at home to Maesteg and Newbridge in the league. Their final league finish was ninth, which would have led to their relegation but the WRU decided mid-season to switch to a 12-team Premiership, therefore saving Cardiff and Maesteg from relegation.  Both Scott and Phillips resigned following the season.<ref name="independent.co.uk">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-wallaby-jumps-to-cardiff-cause-steve-bale-on-the-task-facing-alex-evans-charged-with-reviving-a-dormant-welsh-giant-1550961.html|title=Rugby Union: Wallaby jumps to Cardiff cause: Steve Bale on the task|date=12 September 1992|website=independent.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925231855/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-wallaby-jumps-to-cardiff-cause-steve-bale-on-the-task-facing-alex-evans-charged-with-reviving-a-dormant-welsh-giant-1550961.html|archive-date=25 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Australian Alex Evans took over at Cardiff as coach for the 1992–93 season, bringing in former Arms Park legend Terry Holmes and famous ex-Pontypool front-row member Charlie Faulkner as assistants,<ref name="independent.co.uk"/> and helped a turnaround in the club's fortunes, winning their first seven matches of the season and 20 of their first 22 to top the league in the new year. This run came to an end on 23 January; they were knocked out of the Schweppes Cup by St Peter's,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/little-st-peters-rfc-mark-2497801|title=Little St Peter's RFC mark 20 years since shock win over Cardiff RFC|first=Sion|last=Morgan|date=23 January 2013|website=walesonline.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412101702/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/little-st-peters-rfc-mark-2497801|archive-date=12 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> who were fourth from bottom of Division Four. The Blue and Blacks only lost four league games all season though, but were unlucky to be competing against Llanelli in the league, who won the double and were considered the best club team in the UK after beating Australia 13–9.

In 1993–94 they slid back to fourth in the league but won the SWALEC Cup (renamed from Schweppes Cup for sponsorship reasons) by beating Llanelli, who'd won the tournament for the last three years running.<ref name="rugbyarchive.net"/> The score in the final was 15–8, with tries from Mike Rayer and club captain centre Mike Hall and kicks from fly-half Adrian Davies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/104655|title=Match Report - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050556/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/Match/Report/104655|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 1994–95 Cardiff won the final league title of the amateur era in Wales, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Cup before going down 16–9 to Swansea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cardiff-crowned-in-defeat-1617623.html|title=Cardiff crowned in defeat|date=30 April 1995|website=independent.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415093408/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cardiff-crowned-in-defeat-1617623.html|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Professionalism ===

With professionalism dawned a new era at Cardiff RFC. It allowed them to sign legendary outside-half Jonathan Davies back from rugby league, and another major change was that there would be a [[Heineken Cup|European Cup]], sponsored by Heineken, containing teams from France, Ireland, Wales, Italy and Romania (England and Scotland did not join for another year). Cardiff progressed to the knock-out stages in November by drawing with Bordeaux-Begles and beating Ulster. December saw the end of the Alex Evans era, as he departed to return home to Australia. Terry Holmes took charge of the club, and in his first full match the Blue and Blacks beat Leinster away to progress to the first Heineken Cup final. The game was played at Cardiff Arms Park in front of a crowd of 21,800, where despite 18 points from the boot of Adrian Davies, Cardiff were beaten 21–18 by Toulouse after extra time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/drama-confirms-credibility-1322933.html|title=Drama confirms credibility|date=8 January 1996|website=independent.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415103126/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/drama-confirms-credibility-1322933.html|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Cardiff, despite not losing a league game under Holmes, were runners-up on the domestic front as well, finishing level with Neath on points but coming second on try count.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cardiff-left-licking-their-wounds-1347486.html|title=Cardiff left licking their wounds|date=15 May 1996|website=independent.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415092626/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cardiff-left-licking-their-wounds-1347486.html|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> After the end of the 95–96 season Peter Thomas invested money into the club allowing them to sign Rob Howley, Dai Young back from rugby league, Leigh Davies, Gwyn Jones and Justin Thomas for the cost of around £2million. Internationals Mark Ring, Steven Blackmore and the half-backs that had started the Heineken Cup final, Andy Moore and Adrian Davies all departed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/swansea-steeled-for-road-ahead-1312346.html|title=Swansea steeled for road ahead|date=31 August 1996|website=independent.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103918/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/swansea-steeled-for-road-ahead-1312346.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Despite all the new signings, Cardiff lost their first three games of the season, and the 1996/97 season was in many respects worse than the year before – Cardiff were knocked out in the Heineken Cup semi-finals by eventual champions Brive, and in the Welsh Premier Division they fell to third, behind champions Pontypridd and Llanelli. However, after Alex Evans returned to head up the coaching team, that season did lead to some silverware, as Cardiff beat Llanelli 36–26 in the semi-final and Swansea 33–26 in the final of the SWALEC Cup. [[Grzegorz Kacała|Grzegorz Kacala]] and Tony Rees, both forwards part of the Brive team that knocked Cardiff out of the Heineken Cup and went on to win it, were signed for 1997/98 along with Wales internationals Steve Williams and Spencer John (Gareth Thomas also arrived in December from Bridgend).

Despite Cardiff's difficulties, compounded by those of the national team, Howley and Young were both chosen to go on 1997 Lions tour to South Africa. Howley had to return home early due to injury and neither of the two Cardiff players started a Test match.

In the 1997/98 season, Cardiff were Wales's sole representative in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup, and were beaten away in rematch of the previous year's quarter-final, by Bath, who would go on to win the tournament. However, their domestic cup campaign ended before the quarter-final stage, losing 24–9 to Ebbw Vale, and they finished runners up to Swansea in the League. Following this season, Alex Evans left Cardiff for Australia for the second time and Terry Holmes was put back in charge.

====Rebel season====
{{Main|1998–99 rebel season}}
Cardiff and Swansea had proposed the formation of a British league, containing the top division English clubs, the two Scottish regional sides (Edinburgh and Glasgow) and four Welsh clubs (seeing as Cardiff had got further than any other Welsh club in every Heineken Cup so far, Swansea were the league champions and they represented the two largest urban areas in Wales, it was assumed two of these clubs would be Cardiff and Swansea).

Both the RFU and the English clubs had agreed to this, but the WRU refused due to an ongoing legal battle with the English clubs over the negotiation of commercial rights (which would lead to the English clubs not participating in the 1998–99 Heineken Cup). Instead, the WRU demanded all top-flight clubs sign 10-year loyalty agreements, where they were guaranteed top-flight status and committed themselves to staying within the Welsh league structure.

Cardiff and Swansea refused to sign these agreements and were expelled from the Welsh Premier Division. The Allied Dunbar Premiership (the English league) teams announced that two teams would have a rest weekend every week allowing them to play friendlies against Cardiff and Swansea. Cardiff's first home match of the season was against Saracens, who'd finished second in the Allied Dunbar Premiership the season before. Cardiff won 40–19 in front of a crowd of 10,021, larger than the entire combined attendance of the Welsh Premier Division that weekend.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-cardiffs-followers-vote-with-their-feet-1198162.html|title=Rugby Union: Cardiff's followers vote with their feet|date=14 September 1998|website=independent.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415053937/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-cardiffs-followers-vote-with-their-feet-1198162.html|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The club went on to win all their home games, but fell to defeat ten times on their travels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfcfans.co.uk/fixtures.php?seasonID=1|title=CRFC Fans - 1998-1999|website=Cardiffrfcfans.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425152405/http://www.cardiffrfcfans.co.uk/fixtures.php?seasonID=1|archive-date=25 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Although Cardiff and Swansea were both expelled from the Welsh League, they were allowed to continue to compete in the SWALEC Cup against Welsh opposition. Both teams reached the semi-finals, Swansea were to play Cross Keys and Cardiff Llanelli. In the week prior to the game, Cardiff chairman Peter Thomas spoke to the players following a training session, where he emphasised the importance of winning the game, describing it as "the biggest game in the club's history". Cardiff lost 39–10 in a match chief executive Gareth Davies described "The worst performance by a Cardiff side I have ever seen." Six days later, it was announced Terry Holmes would stand down as coach at the end of the season, and Pontypridd and Wales assistant coach Lyn Howells would take charge on a two-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-cardiff-count-cost-of-rebellion-1089528.html|title=Rugby Union: Cardiff count cost of rebellion|date=25 April 1999|website=independent.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415104022/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-cardiff-count-cost-of-rebellion-1089528.html|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Swansea went on to beat Llanelli 37–10 in the cup final, but the rebels were still forced to sign loyalty agreements and return to Welsh domestic setup, now including Edinburgh and Glasgow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/364095.stm|title=BBC News - Rugby Union - Rebel Welsh clubs back in fold|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018}}</ref>

====Lynn Howells====
After the rebel season, Cardiff signed British Lion outside-half Neil Jenkins, as well as Wales internationals second-row Craig Quinnell and flanker Martyn Williams. The start of the 1999–2000 season for Cardiff was hampered by them missing 13 first choice players due to the World Cup, and in late September they fell to a humiliating 60–18 defeat away to Llanelli at Stradey Park. However, despite this poor start and failing to win in the first rounds of the Heineken Cup, they progressed to the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, where they were beaten by Llanelli, and clinched the Welsh/Scottish League title with three games remaining, The season is also notable for a club record victory of 116–0 over Duvnant in the Welsh/Scottish League,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffrfc.com/News/Article/17522|title=Cardiff 116 Dunvant 0 - Cardiff RFC|website=Cardiffrfc.com|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415092352/http://www.cardiffrfc.com/News/Article/17522|archive-date=15 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and the club going unbeaten at home for almost the whole season, before losing 41–40 to Swansea in their very last game of the season (with the title already sewn up). This was Cardiff's first defeat at the Arms Park for over two years, since 13 December 1997, again against Swansea.

During the close season Cardiff lost Leigh Davies to Llanelli but signed South African centre Pieter Muller to replace him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/wales/889574.stm|title=BBC SPORT - WALES - Newport for the title|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018}}</ref> They won their first five Welsh/Scottish League matches, seemingly making certain they would retain their title,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/in_depth/2000/welsh-scottish_rugby/926957.stm|title=BBC SPORT - WELSH-SCOTTISH RUGBY - Welsh-Scottish League table|website=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021229095921/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/in_depth/2000/welsh-scottish_rugby/926957.stm|archive-date=29 December 2002|df=dmy-all}}</ref> especially as Swansea lost three of their first five games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swansearfc.co.uk/Page/Content/760|title=2000-01 Season - Swansea RFC|website=Swansearfc.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214743/http://www.swansearfc.co.uk/Page/Content/760|archive-date=3 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The highlight of the season was in late October, when the Blue and Blacks stunned English Premiership leaders Saracens by defeating them home and away in the Heineken Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/jenkins-crushes-saracens-myth-636828.html|title=Jenkins crushes Saracens' myth|date=29 October 2000|website=independent.co.uk|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304214523/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/jenkins-crushes-saracens-myth-636828.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The club's great form began to stutter as the millennium drew to a close, but it was in January the wheels really came off. After a magnificent 42–16 victory over Ulster, two yellow cards led Cardiff to defeat in Toulouse, meaning they would have to travel to Gloucester in the quarter-finals. A turgid forward battle resulted in a 21–15 defeat for the Blue and Blacks. Two weeks later they then lost to Bridgend, their first home defeat of the season, meaning Swansea pulled ahead in the title race. Another defeat at Ebbw Vale in March condemned them to a trophyless season. 
Following the unsuccessful season Lynn Howells's contract was not renewed and Rudy Joubert was appointed director of rugby. Gareth Thomas also left the club along with nine other players, but Rob Appleyard, Matt Allen and Craig Hudson all joined.

For the 2001 Lions tour, four Cardiff players were picked, Rob Howley, Neil Jenkins, Dai Young and Martyn Williams. Young became the first player to tour for the Lions in three different decades. Howley started the first two Tests, with Williams on the bench in all three, and Jenkins coming on to replace Jonny Wilkinson in the second. Howley was dropped for the third, deciding Test.

====Rudy Joubert====
2001–02 was the first year of the Celtic League, containing teams from Wales, Ireland and Scotland. The pool stage would begin in mid-August and continue on for a month. Cardiff were drawn into the smaller, seven-team pool (with four teams going through to the quarter-finals).and started their campaign in unconvincing fashion, winning three games but still being knocked out of the competition on points difference.
In the Heineken Cup, rugby league convert Iestyn Harris, signed for £1million scored a hat-trick on his debut in a 46–7 against Glasgow.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/oct/28/rugbyunion.heinekencup200102|title=Heineken Cup: Cardiff 46 - 7 Glasgow|first=Eddie|last=Butler|date=28 October 2001|website=The Guardian|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125252/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2001/oct/28/rugbyunion.heinekencup200102|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Overall the club's European form was mediocre however, as despite winning all their home games they failed to register an away win and were eliminated at the pool stage for the first time in their history
On the domestic front, Cardiff again went unbeaten at home until the final game of the season, but again were unable to back it up on the road and finished fourth – their first season out of the top three in a decade.

====Dai Young====
The off season was all change for Cardiff. Rudy Joubert returned home to South Africa and Dai Young became player-coach of the club. Internationals Rob Howley, Neil Jenkins, Craig Quinnell and Jonathan Humphreys all left the club as well. The Welsh/Scottish League was abolished, returning to just nine Welsh teams in the top-flight, and Celtic League games no longer counted towards the domestic league.

In the first two months of the season, Cardiff managed to improve on their Celtic League record from the previous year, winning four out of seven games and progressing to the knockout stage. The quarter final was away to Edinburgh on 30 November and, despite a dreadful first half performance that saw them 19–6 down at the break, a much improved second half performance saw them record a 26–22 win, and go through to the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/3038841/Harris-instigates-Cardiffs-unlikely-recovery.html|title=Harris instigates Cardiff's unlikely recovery|first=Robert Cole at|last=Meadowbank|date=1 December 2002|access-date=9 May 2018|website=Telegraph.co.uk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413102011/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/3038841/Harris-instigates-Cardiffs-unlikely-recovery.html|archive-date=13 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Their decent start to the season collapsed after that however, with Cardiff failing to score at home for the first-time in 30 years in a 31–0 defeat in the Heineken Cup against Northampton in December.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/dec/16/rugbyunion.heinekencup2002031|title=Heineken Cup: Cardiff 0 - 31 Northmapton|first=Paul|last=Rees|date=16 December 2002|website=The Guardian|access-date=9 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411201742/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/dec/16/rugbyunion.heinekencup2002031|archive-date=11 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> January was a disastrous month for the club too, with a 32–10 thrashing away to Neath in the Celtic League semi-finals,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2393814/Jarvis-delivers-for-dominant-Neath.html|title=Jarvis delivers for dominant Neath|first=Graham Clutton at The|last=Gnoll|date=9 May 2018|access-date=9 May 2018|website=Telegraph.co.uk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413143255/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2393814/Jarvis-delivers-for-dominant-Neath.html|archive-date=13 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> despite the home team making 12 handling errors in Cardiff's 22. Two weeks later the club's first ever Heineken Cup whitewash was completed with a record 75–25 defeat away to Biarritz.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2394606/Round-up-Biarritz-in-try-spree-as-Cardiff-crumble.html|title=Round-up: Biarritz in try spree as Cardiff crumble|date=9 May 2018|access-date=9 May 2018|website=Telegraph.co.uk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413074843/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2394606/Round-up-Biarritz-in-try-spree-as-Cardiff-crumble.html|archive-date=13 April 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Domestically, the Blue and Blacks' final season as a top-tier rugby team was less disappointing. They reached the semi-finals of the Cup, although they capitulated in a similar fashion to their Celtic League semi-final, this time 44–10 away to Llanelli. In the League they finished third, 3 points behind Neath and 11 behind Bridgend.

=== The reorganisation of Welsh Rugby ===
When Rugby Union turned professional in 1995,<ref name="auto10">{{cite web | url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/36-key-events-since-rugby-turned-professional-in-1995-25-years-ago-to-this-very-day/ | title=36 key events since rugby turned professional in 1995, 25 years ago to this very day | date=26 August 2020 }}</ref> Welsh rugby was organised in a league pyramid, at the top of which was the Premier Division of twelve teams that had existed for over a century as amateur clubs. However, it became clear over the next few seasons that under professionalism, Welsh Rugby would need to find a new structure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wru.co.uk/114_1831.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927203001/http://www.wru.co.uk/114_1831.php|url-status=dead|title=Welsh Rugby Union : Clubs Overwhelmingly Back Moffett<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref>

In 1996 [[Cardiff Athletic Club]] had created Cardiff Rugby Ltd to run its professional rugby team, with former player and successful businessman Peter Thomas its first Chairman – a position he would continue to hold for the next 23 years.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/peter-thomas-lifelong-love-for-cardiff-and-blue-and-black | title=Peter Thomas }}</ref> Cardiff were among the clubs pushing hard for the creation of an Anglo Welsh or British League in the late 1990s, which would put them in frequent conflict with the [[Welsh Rugby Union]].<ref name="auto4">{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/237709.stm | title=BBC News {{pipe}} Rugby Union {{pipe}} RFU guilty over friendlies }}</ref> This culminated in the "rebel season" of 1998/99.<ref name="auto10"/> Thomas would refer to the WRU as "an amateur body living in the dark ages".<ref name="auto4"/>

The next few seasons saw multiple plans for the future of Welsh professional rugby put forward. A solution known as the "gang of six" proposal also included Cardiff but was defeated by a vote of the 237 WRU member clubs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gang-six-look-future-1968575 | title=Gang of six look to the future | date=19 December 2001 }}</ref>

By 2002, after years of financial problems and bitter wrangling, nine clubs remained at the top of the Welsh game. A solution was finally accepted by new WRU CEO David Moffett and it was agreed that five teams would take part in future professional competitions.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/2869763.stm | title=Moffett accepts five-team plan | date=21 March 2003 }}</ref>

Cardiff and Llanelli were to be "standalone" teams, meaning that they would not have to amalgamate with any of the other professional clubs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buzzle.com/chapters/sports-and-recreation.asp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720185417/http://www.buzzle.com/chapters/sports-and-recreation.asp|url-status=usurped|title=Sports & Recreation|date=20 July 2012|archive-date=20 July 2012|website=archive.is|access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref>

After a period of considering different names including "Cardiff 76ers" and "Cardiff Blue and Blacks",<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik8VusvYmTw&t=38s | title=Cardiff vs Pontypridd. 2003. Halftime chat | website=[[YouTube]] | date=13 January 2016 }}</ref> Cardiff settled on "Cardiff Blues".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/the-new-blues-region | title=The New Blues Region }}</ref>

===2003–2011: Dai Young years===
====Difficult first seasons====
Dai Young had first been appointed Head Coach at the Arms Park in 2002,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15362420/cardiff-confirm-joubert-exit | title=Cardiff confirm Joubert exit | date=18 July 2002 }}</ref> after the early departure of South African coach [[Rudy Joubert]]. Since his return from rugby league in 1996, Young had played in Cardiff teams that had won the [[1999-2000 Welsh-Scottish League]] title,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15345009/cardiff-welsh-scottish-league-champions | title=Cardiff Welsh-Scottish League champions | date=14 May 2000 }}</ref> and had played in the latter stages of the Heineken Cup every season (apart from the 1998/99 "rebel season") until 2001/02.

But over the two seasons running up to what became known as Welsh rugby's "regionalisation",<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/chronicling-15-years-welsh-regional-14495876 | title=Chronicling 15 years of Welsh regional rugby - has it worked? | date=5 April 2018 }}</ref> cut backs had been made at the Arms Park and high-profile players like [[Gareth Thomas (rugby, born 1974)|Gareth Thomas]], [[Jonathan Humphreys]], [[Rob Howley]] and [[Neil Jenkins]] had left.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/193928.wasps-sign-top-scrum-half-howley/ | title=Wasps sign top scrum-half Howley | date=11 July 2002 }}</ref> Nevertheless, the first squad as Cardiff Blues could still call on quality Welsh internationals like [[Rhys Williams (rugby union, born 1980)|Rhys Williams]], [[Tom Shanklin]], [[Iestyn Harris]] and [[Martyn Williams]], who would compete for Wales at the [[2003 Rugby World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wru.wales/2003/09/world-cup-squad-announced/ | title=World Cup Squad announced - Welsh Rugby Union | date=September 2003 }}</ref> Popular Canadian forward [[Dan Baugh]] and veteran South African centre [[Pieter Muller]] also remained at the club.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/dan-baugh-eye-bulging-hardman-15897042 | title=A meeting with the eye-bulging hardman Welsh rugby will never forget | date=3 April 2019 }}</ref>

Aside from these few star names, the first squad under the Cardiff Blues brand was largely made up of lesser known players. Some like [[Nicky Robinson (rugby union)|Nicky Robinson]], his brother [[Jamie Robinson (rugby union)|Jamie Robinson]], [[Robin Sowden-Taylor]] and [[T Rhys Thomas]] would go on to become key figures at Cardiff. Another notable player was Cardiff fireman and part time rugby player Lee Abdul.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20031026/ai_n12883662 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215010942/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20031026/ai_n12883662 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 February 2009 |work=Sunday Mirror |title=Rugby Union: HOT STUFF |first=David |last=Williams |date=26 October 2003 }}</ref> After being brought into the squad as cover during the [[2003 Rugby World Cup]], Abdul would score a record four tries from the wing against the Ospreys before his career was cut short by injury.

Young's first season as a coach had been disappointing, and the first season as Cardiff Blues similarly frustrated fans. Increasingly, there were calls for Young to step down and these calls would continue for the next few seasons. However, the Cardiff board would stand by Young.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/dai-hard---young-feels-2418964 | title=Dai Hard - Young feels the pressure | date=14 October 2004 }}</ref>

After the demise of the [[Celtic Warriors]] in 2004, the Cardiff Blues region was expanded to include [[Rhondda Cynon Taff]], [[Merthyr]] and South [[Powys]].<ref name="Our Story {{pipe}} Cardiff Blues"/> Cardiff Blues would also sign players made redundant by the scrapping of the Warriors, including [[Gethin Jenkins]] and [[Robert Sidoli]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://community.wru.wales/2004/06/03/sidoli-joins-cardiff-blues/ | title=Sidoli Joins Cardiff Blues | date=3 June 2004 }}</ref>

Calls for Young to be removed intensified between November 2004 and January 2005 when the team went eight games without recording a victory. Following the 15–38 loss to [[Stade Français]] the players were booed from the field by their own supporters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/arias-hits-high-notes-as-stade-sweep-aside-the-blues-31153.html | title=Arias hits high notes as Stade sweep aside the Blues | website=[[Independent.co.uk]] | date=29 October 2004 }}</ref>

Finishing in 9th position in the [[2004-05 Celtic League]] meant that to qualify for the Heineken Cup, Cardiff had to compete in a play-off game against the third place Italian side [[Arix Viadana]]. Cardiff Blues won this game 38–9, thus qualifying for the Heineken Cup through what the media described derisively as the [[cat flap]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/norster-happy-at-euro-hand-2392993 | title=Norster happy at Euro hand | date=14 June 2005 }}</ref>

====Investment, signings and rebuilding====
In the summer of 2005 funds were made available to sign new players allowing Dai Young to start rebuilding the side. Former New Zealand No. 8 [[Xavier Rush]] was among several new signings who gave the squad a much stronger look.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/colourful-tales-xavier-rush-man-18484538 | title=The tales of Xavier Rush, the man who played with broken glass in his hand | date=25 June 2020 }}</ref> Also, a new custom-built training headquarters was established at Hensol in the outskirts of Cardiff.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/blues-unveil-new-training-centre | title=Blues unveil new Training Centre }}</ref>

[[File:Jonah lomu-1 cardiff blues.jpg|thumb|150px|New Zealand Jonah Lomu playing for Cardiff Blues in 2006]]
Results did not improve immediately, with the 37–20 win over [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]]<ref name="Blues 37-20 Saracens">{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/4283216.stm | title=Blues 37-20 Saracens | date=October 2005 }}</ref> in October 2005 the highlight of a mixed start to the season. However, in a prematch announcement it was confirmed that rugby legend [[Jonah Lomu]] had agreed to join on a temporary, "pay as you play" basis as he tried to rebuild his career in time for the [[2007 Rugby World Cup]].<ref name="Blues 37-20 Saracens"/>

Lomu was recovering from a kidney transplant,<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/|title=WalesOnline: News, sport, weather and events from across Wales|website=www.walesonline.co.uk|access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref> but the signing gave notice of the team's renewed ambition. His home debut versus Calvisano was greeted by a capacity crowd and the signing was regarded as a marketing masterstroke.<ref name="auto2"/> Results improved with wins over the Ospreys and the Newport Gwent Dragons in December.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/calvisano-10-cardiff-25-lomu-takes-centre-stage-b2xjpf7b2kh | title=Calvisano 10 Cardiff 25: Lomu takes centre stage|website=The Times }}</ref>

In January 2006, Cardiff Blues were knocked out of the Heineken Cup after losing 3–21 at home to Perpignan and then losing 3–48 to the relegation threatened Leeds Tykes.  The poor run prompted the management to issue "final warnings" to under performing players.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/dai-never-said-id-go-2360556 | title=Dai: I never said I'd go |website=WalesOnline| date=29 January 2006 }}</ref> As had been the case in the two previous seasons, results improved in the latter months of the season, and in May, 15,327 watched Cardiff Blues beat Leinster 40–31 at the Millennium Stadium.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/cardiff-blues-40-leinster-31 | title=Cardiff Blues 40 Leinster 31|website=Cardiffrugby.wales}}</ref> At the time it set a new record for the highest attendance recorded for any Celtic League match.

====New optimism====
More signings, including former New Zealand fullback [[Ben Blair]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/blair-leaves-high-note-2312071|title=Blair leaves on a high note|date=6 September 2006|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> alongside some talented academy graduates (notably Bradley Davies<ref name="auto2"/> and Tom James)<ref name="auto2"/> further enhanced the quality of the Cardiff Blues squad for the 2006–07 season.

In the Heineken Cup, Cardiff Blues recorded their first win in France, beating [[CS Bourgoin-Jallieu|Bourgoin]] 13–5.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/cardiff-13-bourgoin-5-blues-bruise-french-zkdj5vn6bdp | title=Cardiff 13 Bourgoin 5: Blues bruise French|website=~Thetimes.co.uk }}</ref> Encouraged by the strong attendance for the previous season's Leinster clash, the Millennium Stadium was again used. This time hosting Leicester Tigers were the opposition and the match attracted a crowd of 26,309 spectators.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/cardiff-blues-vs-leicester/12641 | title=Tigers show their teeth at last |website=Sky Sports}}</ref>

In the Celtic League, performances were now much improved. Cardiff finished second after having beaten Leinster at home to go top,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://community.wru.wales/2007/05/14/blues-back-borders-after-dismissing-leinster/ | title=Blues back Borders after dismissing Leinster|website=Community.wru.wales | date=14 May 2007 }}</ref> only for the Ospreys to win at Borders the next day to claim the title.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-05-12 |title=Border Reivers 16-24 Ospreys |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/borders/6646299.stm |access-date=2024-01-22 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Further big signings were added to the Cardiff Blues squad over the summer of 2007 including the return of Gareth Thomas, plus [[Paul Tito]] and [[Jason Spice]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/6957236.stm | title=Welsh regional rugby preview|website=News.bbc.co.uk | date=28 August 2007 }}</ref> However the season was hit by the lengthy absence of important playmaker Nicky Robinson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/blues-hit-by-injury-crisis-2212328|title=Blues hit by injury crisis|first=Gareth|last=Griffiths|date=19 December 2007|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> For the second season in a row, Cardiff Blues finished second in the Celtic League and were eliminated at the pool stage of the Anglo Welsh Cup, despite taking Bath's 12 month unbeaten home record.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7112807.stm | title=Bath 6-14 Blues|website=News.bbc.co.uk | date=30 November 2007 }}</ref>

But in Europe, Cardiff made the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup after recording two wins over Bristol, a win and a draw with Harlequins and a rousing home victory over Stade Francais at the pool stage. They lost their away quarter-final to [[Stade Toulousain|Toulouse]] but returning to the knockout stages of the tournament was seen a major step forward for Dai Young's team.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7136829.stm | title=Blues 31-21 Stade Francais |website=News.bbc.co.uk| date=15 December 2007 }}</ref>

====Anglo Welsh Triumph and Heineken Cup Heartbreak====
[[File:Gloucester Rugby cardiff blues edf cup april 2009 3.jpg|thumb|Cardiff vs Gloucester, Anglo-Welsh Cup final at Twickenham, April 2009]]
By the 2008/09 season, Young's squad had a settled look, with few new signings. The team would finish only 6th in the Celtic League, but the club's focus on cup competitions would see them win the Anglo-Welsh Cup final 50–12 against Gloucester at Twickenham<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/18/edf-energy-cup-final-gloucester-cardiff-blues | title=EDF Energy Cup Final: Gloucester 12-50 Cardiff Blues at Twickenham | website=[[TheGuardian.com]] | date=18 April 2009 }}</ref> and make the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup. The Heineken Cup campaign began with a 20–56 bonus point victory away to [[Rugby Calvisano|Calvisano]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/welsh/7653530.stm|title=Rugby Calvisano 20-56 Blues|date=11 October 2008|access-date=10 January 2019|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> before another a bonus point 37–24 win against [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]] at the [[Millennium Stadium]] before a crowd of 27,114.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/7666410.stm|title=Blues 37-24 Gloucester|date=19 October 2008|access-date=10 January 2019|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffblues.com/37_3846.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227070159/http://www.cardiffblues.com/37_3846.php|url-status=dead|title=Cardiff Blues: Cardiff Blues 37 Gloucester 24|archive-date=27 December 2008}}</ref> The Cardiff Blues then claimed back-to-back victories over [[Biarritz Olympique|Biarritz]] in December, winning 21–17 at home followed by a 6–10 victory away.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/7765464.stm|title=Cardiff Blues 21-17 Biarritz|date=5 December 2008|access-date=10 January 2019|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/7771240.stm|title=Biarritz 6-10 Cardiff Blues|date=13 December 2008|access-date=10 January 2019|website=News.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

Following the Christmas break, an away 12–16 victory over Gloucester was recorded despite being reduced to 14 men after [[Tom James (rugby union, born 1987)|Tom James]] was sent-off for a head butt on Gloucester [[Rugby union positions#2. Hooker|hooker]] [[Olivier Azam]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/7823023.stm|title=Gloucester 12-16 Blues|date=18 January 2009|access-date=10 January 2019|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> In the final round of pool games a bonus point 62–20 win over [[Calvisano]] ensured that Cardiff Blues remained the only unbeaten team in the pool stages of the 2008–09 Heineken Cup and claimed the top seed position and a home quarter-final.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/7837250.stm|title=Cardiff Blues 62-20 Calvisano|date=23 January 2009|access-date=10 January 2019|website=News.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

The quarter-final against eighth seed and three-times Heineken Cup winners [[Stade Toulousain|Toulouse]] was played in the [[Millennium Stadium]] with another record attendance of 36,778. A 9–6 victory was recorded in a defence dominated game.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/7986713.stm|title=Cardiff Blues 9-6 Toulouse|date=11 April 2009|access-date=10 January 2019|via=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> The semi-final against [[Leicester Tigers]] was also hosted at the Millennium Stadium. Despite being 12–26 down with six minutes remaining, a mighty comeback tied the scores at 26–26 after 80 minutes and forced extra time.

With no further score in the 20 minutes of extra time, the game was forced into an historic [[penalty shootout]]. Cardiff were defeated 7–6 following missed kicks by Tom James and [[Martyn Williams]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8021824.stm|title=Cardiff Blues 26-26 Leicester (aet)|date=3 May 2009|access-date=10 January 2019|website=News.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

====Cardiff City Stadium====
Despite the excitement on the field, off the field a drama had been playing out as the Cardiff Blues board put in place a plan to move from their historic home at Cardiff Arms Park and into the new [[Cardiff City Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/david-young-excited-cardiff-blues-2089299 | title=David Young excited by Cardiff Blues move to new stadium | date=19 August 2009 }}</ref> Supporters were alarmed by the supposed rental costs involved in using the new venue as well as moving away from what they regarded as their spiritual home.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://dicmortimer.com/2015/07/09/sport-in-cardiff/ | title=Sport in Cardiff | date=9 July 2015 }}</ref>

More big name signings were made upon the move to the new stadium, including [[Casey Laulala]] and [[Sam Norton-Knight]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://walesonline.trem.media/sport/rugby/rugby-news/blues-look-new-boy-laulala-2063585 | title=Blues look to new boy Laulala for 'go-to option' | date=5 December 2009 }}</ref> Norton-Knight had the job of replacing fan favourite outside half Nicky Robinson who, along with his brother [[Jamie Robinson (rugby union)|Jamie Robinson]] had chosen to leave Cardiff Blues that summer. However, Norton-Knight would struggle in the 10 shirt and would go down as Dai Young's biggest transfer mistake.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/david-young-backing-sam-norton-knight-2080856|title=David Young backing Sam Norton-Knight after nightmare Blues debut|first=Gareth|last=Griffiths|date=5 September 2009|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

In the [[Pro14|Celtic League]], Cardiff Blues finished fifth in the table, one point away from the playoffs; but secured a place in the 2010–11 Heineken Cup as the second-placed Welsh team.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sportsstats.co.uk/CelticLeagueTable.htm |title=Magners Celtic League Table 2009-10 |access-date=9 June 2022 |archive-date=22 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622102022/https://sportsstats.co.uk/CelticLeagueTable.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Their [[2009–10 Heineken Cup|Heineken Cup]] campaign ended after the pool stage, in which they finished second to [[Stade Toulousain|Toulouse]] and were not one of the two top second-place teams.

However, this season was the first in which three-second-place teams from the Heineken Cup parachuted into the [[European Challenge Cup]], and the Cardiff Blues were one of three teams to qualify. They crushed [[Newcastle Falcons]] 55–22 in the quarterfinals,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/rugby/match?gameId=112861&league=272073|title=Newcastle Falcons vs Cardiff Blues - Summary - European Rugby Challenge Cup 2010 - 11 Apr, 2010|website=ESPN.com|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> and edged [[Wasps RFC|London Wasps]] 18–15<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/6127963/cardiff-give-wasps-the-blues|title=Cardiff give Wasps the Blues|website=Sky Sports|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> both on the road, to reach the final of the [[2009–10 European Challenge Cup|competition]]. The Cardiff Blues became the first Welsh side to win a European trophy after beating [[RC Toulonnais|Toulon]] 28–21 in the final on 23 May at [[Stade Vélodrome]] in [[Marseille]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/welsh/8685409.stm|title=Cardiff Blues 28–21 Toulon|date=23 May 2010|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|first=Bruce|last=Pope|location=[[Stade Vélodrome]], [[Marseille]]|access-date=24 May 2010}}</ref>

Off the field, the Cardiff Blues had a turnover of £8.7&nbsp;million and a total employment bill of £5.6&nbsp;million, with other costs including rental of the new stadium leading them to make a loss of more than £650,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-report-operating-loss-2028843|title=Cardiff Blues report operating loss of £2.3m for last year|first=Peter|last=Law|date=8 June 2012|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

[[Xavier Rush]] chose to sign a new contract with the club, despite having earlier agreed terms with Ulster. After a "change in his personal circumstances" Rush had decided to remain at the club he described as his "home from home" and a release from his two-year contract was negotiated with Ulster.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/welsh/8700139.stm|title=Rush re-commits to Cardiff Blues|date=16 June 2010|access-date=10 June 2022|website=News.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

Further signings were made. [[Michael Paterson]] joined from the Super 14 side the Hurricanes. Press reports in New Zealand at the time of the signing indicated that he had been close to selection for the All-Blacks before choosing to join Cardiff.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/news/3756318/Michael-Paterson-lost-sleep-over-Cardiff-offer|title=Michael Paterson lost sleep over Cardiff offer|first=RICHARD|last=KNOWLER|date=30 May 2010|website=Stuff.co.nz|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> With the unsuccessful Sam Norton-Knight signing for the [[Sanyo Wild Knights]] after not making the grade at outside half, [[Dan Parks]] of [[Glasgow Warriors]] and a Scottish International was signed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-set-swoop-dan-2066579|title=Cardiff Blues set to swoop for Dan Parks|first=Andy|last=Howell|date=23 December 2009|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

But the team were beginning to struggle on the field. They were runners up in their Heineken Cup pool but with not enough points to progress in either the Heineken or the Amlin Cups. In the Pro 12 they slipped to sixth place, missing out on a play-off spot.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8785037.stm|title=Magners League 2010/11|date=2 July 2010|access-date=10 June 2022|website=News.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>

Lower attendances and a failure to progress in either the Heineken Cup or Magners League meant turnover fell to £7.4m,<ref name="auto7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-18372027|title=Cardiff Blues rugby region lose nearly £2.3m, accounts show|date=8 June 2012|access-date=10 June 2022|website=Bbc.co.uk}}</ref> while added player and coaching costs led to the total employment bill rising to £6.7m.<ref name="auto7"/> The hefty financial costs attached to playing at Cardiff City Stadium were beginning to mount.

In June 2011, Dai Young would step down in order to join [[Wasps RFC]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/wasps-appoint-dai-young-as-director-of-rugby-2304801.html|title=Wasps appoint Dai Young as director of rugby|date=30 June 2011|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> bringing an end to nine years as Head Coach and Director of Rugby after a playing career that had begun in 1988.

===2011–2021===
==== Return to the Arms Park ====
Dai Young's departure had coincided with financial losses at the Cardiff City Stadium beginning to bite. No new signings were made over the summer and Young's assistant coaches, Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell, were made caretaker coaches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-appoint-gareth-baber-1819849|title=Cardiff Blues appoint Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell in joint charge|date=5 July 2011|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Mid season, long serving Chief Executive [[Robert Norster]] also left, to be replaced by Richard Holland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/16035354|title=Blues unveil Holland as new chief|work=BBC Sport |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> [[Gavin Henson]] would be signed on a short-term contract, only for it to be cancelled after an incident on an aircraft returning from a match in Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gavin-henson-sacked-cardiff-blues-2031797|title=Gavin Henson sacked by Cardiff Blues after drink-fuelled plane incident|first=Jon|last=Doel|date=2 April 2012|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Despite some success in the Heineken Cup, beating [[Racing Metro]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyweek.com/33506-cardiff-blues-beat-racing-and-book-play-off-spot/|title=Cardiff Blues beat Racing and book play off spot|date=22 January 2012|website=Rugbyweek.com|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> and achieving a quarter final place, this was a season in which Cardiff Blues managed only 10 league wins.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/17652086|title=Gareth Davies believes Cardiff Blues coaches 'under pressure'|work=BBC Sport |date=9 April 2012|access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref> The season was marked by increased awareness of the impact financial pressures were having on the team since the move to Cardiff City Stadium.

The team would lose £3.83m over the 2011/12 season<ref name="auto9">{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/business/business-news/cardiff-blues-post-losses-positive-2496313|title=Cardiff Blues post losses but positive on trading outlook|first=Sion|last=Barry|date=27 February 2013|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> including a seven figure payment to cancel their lease agreement with [[Cardiff City]]. It was estimated that the rental agreement and other costs associated with using the stadium had been costing the club around £1 million a season.<ref name="auto9"/>

Attendances declined further and supporters expressed their dissatisfaction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-38---13-2032912|title=Cardiff Blues 38 – 13 Edinburgh: Alex Cuthbert hat-trick seals happy send-off for Blues stars|first=Delme|last=Parfitt|date=22 April 2012|website=walesonline|access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref> Two fixtures were moved back to Cardiff Arms Park with some success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/blues-delighted-arms-park-return-2041836|title=Blues delighted at Arms Park return|last=WalesOnline|date=11 February 2012|website=walesonline|access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref> The games against [[Connacht Rugby|Connacht]] on 10 February 2012 and [[Ulster Rugby|Ulster]] on 17 February 2012 achieved capacity crowds and proved popular with supporters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/17995008|title=Cardiff Blues announce return to Arms Park|work=BBC Sport |date=8 May 2012|access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref>

It was decided that the team would return to Cardiff Arms Park permanently.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/cardiff-blues-to-return-to-cardiff-arms-park|title=Cardiff Blues to return to Cardiff Arms Park|website=Uprisevsi.co.uk|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

====Phil Davies and "The Chief"====
Upon returning to the Arms Park, the Cardiff Blues board decided that an experienced Director of Rugby was needed. Former [[Scarlets]] coach [[Phil Davies (rugby union)|Phil Davies]] was appointed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/17936503|title=Davies takes Cardiff Blues role|work=BBC Sport |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Over the next two seasons a number of long serving and high-profile players would retire or leave for other clubs, including [[Gethin Jenkins]], [[T Rhys Thomas]], [[Casey Laulala]], [[Ben Blair]], [[Martyn Williams]], [[Xavier Rush]], [[Paul Tito]], [[Maama Molitika]], [[Deiniol Jones]], [[Jamie Roberts]], [[Michael Paterson]], [[Tom James (rugby union, born 1987)|Tom James]], [[Leigh Halfpenny]], [[Ceri Sweeney]] and [[Bradley Davies]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/player-profile/paul-tito-194|title=Paul Tito|website=Uprisevsi.co.uk|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/20093317|title=Knee injury forces Blair to quit|work=BBC Sport |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/jamie-roberts-to-leave-the-blues|title=Jamie Roberts to leave the Blues|website=Uprisevsi.co.uk|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

In Davies's first season Cardiff Blues managed only eight wins in the Pro12 and one in the Heineken Cup. They scored a mere 28 tries in the Pro12, the lowest in the league.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/rabodirect-pro12-2012-13/rugby/series/166979.html|title=RaboDirect PRO12 2012/13|website=ESPN scrum|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Problems with the Arms Park playing surface had also been an issue during the season. Over the following summer, money was invested in a new artificial playing surface.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-arms-park-becomes-pitch-5352955|title=Cardiff Arms Park becomes pitch perfect as £400,000 plastic turf laid ahead of new season|first=Simon|last=Thomas|date=26 July 2013|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Davies chose to appoint a diverse range of assistants. These included the 1980s Cardiff hero [[Mark Ring]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-bring-mark-ring-4727295|title=Cardiff Blues bring Mark Ring and Dale McIntosh into coaching staff for 2013/14 season|first=Simon|last=Thomas|date=28 June 2013|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Pontypridd icon [[Dale McIntosh]] (nicknamed "The Chief") and young former [[London Broncos]] coach [[Rob Powell]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15189/8174567/cardiff-blues-appoint-former-london-broncos-boss-rob-powell-as-new-defensive-coach|title=Cardiff Blues appoint former London Broncos boss Rob Powell as new defensive coach|website=Sky Sports|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Ring's methods were regarded as outdated and [[Paul John (rugby)|Paul John]] instead came on board as the new backs coach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/25638535|title=Cardiff Blues appoint Paul John|work=BBC Sport |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

After a home loss to Italian club Zebre and a heavy defeat in the Heineken Cup to Exeter, Phil Davies came under severe scrutiny and defence coach Powell promptly left the club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-axe-defence-coach-6195966|title=Cardiff Blues axe defence coach as Iestyn Harris emerges as possible new backs guru|first=Simon|last=Thomas|date=16 October 2013|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> However, a victory over Heineken Cup champions [[Toulon]], followed by back to back wins over [[Glasgow]], briefly eased pressure on Davies. A further series of league defeats proved to be the final straw and Davies finally resigned.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/26408137|title=Davies resigns from Cardiff Blues|work=BBC Sport |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> The remaining six matches of the season saw caretaker coaches John and McIntosh take the team on a four match unbeaten run which belatedly improved the team's league position.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jomec.co.uk/thecardiffian/2014/03/21/cardiff-blues-look-to-stop-the-rot-against-in-form-ospreys/|title=Cardiff Blues look to stop the rot against in-form Ospreys|website=Jomec.co.uk|date=21 March 2014|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

====Stay Strong for Ows====
In June 2014, Cardiff were invited to send a squad to Singapore to compete in the inaugural [[World Club 10s]]. Tragically, during a third place play off match, young Cardiff centre [[Owen Williams (rugby union, born 1991)|Owen Williams]] suffered a significant injury to his cervical vertebrae and spinal cord.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.todayonline.com/sports/welsh-player-suffers-spine-injury-world-club-10s | title=Welsh player suffers spine injury at World Club 10s }}</ref> The injury ended Williams's rugby career and left him paralysed from the waist down.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/inspiring-owen-williams-interview-what-12737702 | title=Owen Williams reveals how he's overcome his heartbreak |website=WalesOnline| date=14 March 2017 }}</ref>

Soon after the incident, the social media hashtag #staystrongforows became popularised and Williams received support from around the world. Fundraising efforts managed to secure for Williams a purpose-built house and the Stay Strong For Ows Foundation has continued to raise money and draw attention to the plight of players, who experience life changing injuries.

====Mark Hammett====
For the 2014/15 season, increased financial stability following the return to the Arms Park saw the board once more invest in the playing and coaching staff. 
[[Jarrad Hoeata]] and [[Gareth Anscombe]]<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://lastwordonsports.com/2014/07/29/the-mark-hammett-revolution/|title=The Start of the Mark Hammett Revolution|first=Ellis|last=Lane|website=Lastwordonsports.com|date=29 July 2014|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> were signed from New Zealand, and off the field, Kiwi coach [[Mark Hammett]] arrived after a controversial period coaching the [[Hurricanes (rugby union)|Hurricanes]] in [[Super Rugby]] to become the new Director of Rugby.<ref name="auto5"/>

Hammett's brief period in charge of the club was marked by unusual selections,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-boss-mark-hammett-8357052|title=Blues boss: I didn't know what the Dragons derby meant|first=Delme|last=Parfitt|date=29 December 2014|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> insistence that players improve their fitness levels and frequent stories in the press about player dissatisfaction with his approach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/mark-hammett-set-leave-cardiff-8689520|title=The reasons why Hammett looks set to leave the Blues|first=Matthew|last=Southcombe|date=20 February 2015|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Hammett would return to New Zealand before the end of the season, with "The Chief" and Paul John once more taking charge as caretaker coaches through to the end of the season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/dale-mcintosh-reveals-paul-john-9089821|title=Dale McIntosh: I WILL apply for @cardiff_blues job|first=Gareth|last=Griffiths|date=21 April 2015|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

==== Danny Wilson years ====
After three chaotic seasons, Cardiff were once again looking for a new coach. They now turned to the Bristol Bears assistant [[Danny Wilson (rugby union)|Danny Wilson]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/33097744|title=Blues appoint Wilson as head coach|work=BBC Sport |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Wilson had begun his coaching career in the Cardiff Blues academy and had established a strong reputation as a forward specialist, and as [[Wales national under-20 rugby union team|Wales U20s]] head coach. Dale McIntosh - who had applied for the job himself - would leave soon after and be replaced as defence coach by former rugby league man [[Graham Steadman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/just-who-graham-steadman-everything-9531986|title=Everything you need to know about new Blues defence coach Graham Steadman|first=Andy|last=Howell|date=26 June 2015|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Billy Millard, who had been backs coach under Dai Young, also returned to take up the role of General Manager, a role designed to enable Wilson to focus on hand on coaching over "desk work".<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|url=https://cardiffbluesblog.com/2017/04/23/billy-millard-leaves-a-hole-in-the-coaching-staff/|title=Billy Millard leaves a hole in the coaching staff|website=Cardiffbluesblog.com|date=23 April 2017|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Wilson found himself having to rebuild a squad that by then was a hotch potch of signings from various coaches. His team initially went on a nine match losing run. But in the second half of the season, Wilson had begun turning the team's fortunes around. An impressive away win against [[Scarlets]] was the high point in a run of strong performances that suggested Wilson was bringing much needed stability to the club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/inside-story-how-danny-wilson-11210470|title=The inside story of how Danny Wilson has turned the Cardiff Blues around|first=Simon|last=Thomas|date=19 April 2016|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> For his second season, Wilson was able to add strong new signings like [[Willis Halaholo]] and [[Nick Williams (rugby union)|Nick Williams]] as well as replace Paul John with his former Bristol colleague [[Matt Sherratt]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/sherratt-to-join-as-attack-backs-coach|title=Sherratt to join as Attack & Backs Coach|website=Uprisevsi.co.uk|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Wilson also began bringing through a group of highly promising young players from the academy, including [[Rhun Williams]], [[Seb Davies]], [[Jarrod Evans]] and [[Tomos Williams]].

====Second season injury crisis====
However, after a promising start to Wilson's second season, the team experienced a raft of injuries, beginning with a serious injury to fan favourite [[Dan Fish]] which would keep him out of rugby for much of the next three years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cf10rugbytrust.org/blog/connacht-18-7-cardiff|title=Connacht 18-7 Cardiff|first=Dan|last=Pearce|date=28 November 2016|website=Cf10rugbytrust.org|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Key players including star outside half Anscombe, and much of the club's stable of backrow talents were also made unavailable through injury.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cardiffbluesblog.com/2017/08/24/gareth-anscombe-injury-worry-for-cardiff-blues/|title=Gareth Anscombe injury worry for Cardiff Blues|website=Cardiffbluesblog.com|date=24 August 2017|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Nicky Robinson was called out of retirement as an emergency outside half signing<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-legend-nicky-robinson-12243475|title=Cardiff Blues announce shock return of outside-half legend|first=Matthew|last=Southcombe|date=28 November 2016|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> and [[Sion Bennett]] also had to be signed as an emergency openside flanker due to the number of injuries in what was considered Cardiff Blues's strongest position.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38856774|title=Blues sign Saints' Bennett on loan|work=BBC Sport |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Wilson's second season had proven to be disappointing. But as players returned from injury, performances (particularly a thumping 35–17 win over the Ospreys)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15180/10838671/five-try-cardiff-blues-demolish-ospreys-in-pro12-judgement-day-battle|title=Five-try Cardiff Blues demolish Ospreys in PRO12 Judgement Day battle|website=Sky Sports|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> once again began to improve toward end of season. Wilson looked to add experience to the squad and brought in South African Franco van der Merwe to strengthen the problematic second row position.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/inside-story-behind-most-controversial-13713930|title=The inside story behind rugby's most controversial transfer saga|first=Simon|last=Thomas|date=4 October 2017|website=WalesOnline|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

====Decision to leave====
Since returning to the Arms Park, the Cardiff Blues board had been negotiating with their main shareholder and landlord the [[Cardiff Athletic Club]], over terms for a new lease at the Arms Park which would allow the board to put in place ambitious plans to redevelop the site and modernise the stadium.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/statement-cardiff-blues-ltd-cardiff-athletic-club|title=Statement: Cardiff Blues Ltd & Cardiff Athletic Club|website=Uprisevsi.co.uk|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-stunningly-ambitious-plans-11819889|title=The revolutionary plans for Cardiff Arms Park that could change Welsh rugby|first=Andy|last=Howell|date=30 August 2016|website=WalesOnline.co.uk|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

These talks suddenly collapsed in 2017,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/thecardiffian/2018/02/09/blues-boss-claims-8m-arms-park-offer-rejected/|title=Blues boss claims £8m Arms Park offer was rejected|first=Tom|last=Moody|website=Cardiffjournalism.co.uk|date=9 February 2018|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> leading to a sudden reduction in the wage bill at the Arms Park. This led to the recently arrived Van Der Merwe having to find a new club without playing a single match. Billy Millard also departed.<ref name="auto6"/> Wilson was now having to fulfil Millard's former role alongside the Head Coach job, and also had only Sherratt and Richard Hodges alongside him as assistant coaches.

Wilson announced his decision to turn down the opportunity to stay at the Arms Park beyond the 2017/18 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15189/11055790/danny-wilson-to-leave-post-as-cardiff-blues-head-coach-at-end-of-season|title=Danny Wilson to leave post as Cardiff Blues head coach at end of season|website=Sky Sports|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Initially he was set to join Wasps, ironically alongside Dai Young, but later would announce his decision to join Scotland as their new forwards coach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/danny-wilson-named-as-scotland-forwards-coach-n8f9g6t7k|title=Danny Wilson named as Scotland forwards coach|first=Alasdair|last=Reid|access-date=10 June 2022|website=The Times}}</ref>

====Amlin Cup triumph====
Wilson was a popular coach with the fans and announcement of his departure was greeted with frustration.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://cf10rugbytrust.org/blog/danny-wilson | title=Danny Wilson | date=27 September 2017 }}</ref> The pessimistic mood was not helped by a series of poor results in the first half of the season.

In the second half of the season, once again performances turned around. After a run of strong displays in the Pro12, Wilson's team all but assured a return to Champions Cup rugby with a bonus point win over Ulster.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-crush-ulster-stunning-14453719 | title=Cardiff Blues 35-17 Ulster report: Bonus point win for Welsh side | date=24 March 2018 }}</ref> Meanwhile, a strong campaign in the Challenge Cup, including away wins at Toulouse and Lyon, had seen them into the latter stages of that competition.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/toulouse-win-just-shows-the-confidence-we-have-in-each-other-dacey | title=Toulouse win just shows the confidence we have in each other - Dacey }}</ref>

After a semi final win over Pau before a packed Arms Park, Cardiff Blues faced Gloucester at the final in Bilbao. A second half comeback and late penalty from Anscombe secured a dramatic win.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/re-live-challenge-cup-victory-with-bilbao-heroes | title=Re-live Challenge Cup victory with Bilbao heroes }}</ref>

====John Mulvihill years ====
The Cardiff Blues board struggled to replace Wilson. [[Geordan Murphy]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.planetrugby.com/murphy-favourite-for-cardiff-blues-head-coach-role/ | title=Murphy favourite for Cardiff Blues head coach role | date=8 December 2017 }}</ref> and [[Jim Mallinder]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/jim-mallinder-set-appointed-cardiff-14314994 | title=Jim Mallinder set to be appointed as new Cardiff Blues coach | date=20 February 2018 }}</ref> were both reported to be close to securing the job but in the event did not take the role. The job eventually went to little known Australian coach [[John Mulvihill (rugby union)|John Mulvihill]], who had spent much of his career coaching in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/who-john-mulvihill-incoming-cardiff-14408572 | title=The new Cardiff Blues coach, his coaching CV and the Welsh links | date=14 March 2018 }}</ref> Mulvihill had been highly recommended by [[Alec Evans]], who had been a highly successful and respected coach at the Arms Park in the 1990s.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/43469882 | title=Mulvihill named Cardiff Blues coach | work=BBC Sport }}</ref>

Mulvihill assembled a new coaching team of mostly young Welsh coaches recommended to him by the WRU.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/new-completed-cardiff-blues-coaching-14720552 | title=The new completed Cardiff Blues coaching team is revealed | date=29 May 2018 }}</ref> However his late arrival meant that Mulvihill was unable to make many changes to the playing squad. His first season included some notable wins over the Scarlets and Lyon<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/lyon-vs-cardiff-blues/88976 | title=Lyon 21-30 Cardiff Blues: Inspired Blues fight back to beat Lyon }}</ref> and a narrow defeat to English giants Saracens, but after a mixed season Cardiff Blues had narrowly failed to remain in the Champions Cup for the following year.

====Project reset====
Off field, The WRU and Welsh professional teams had been negotiating over "Project reset", which had been intended to improve relations between the teams and the union, as well as change the way Welsh professional rugby was funded. However, these talks led to the sudden imposition of a transfer embargo for much of the 2019/20 season.

The embargo meant that although Mulvihill had secured the high-profile signings of [[Hallam Amos]] and [[Josh Adams (rugby union)|Josh Adams]] for the following season, he was unable to strengthen his forward pack. The embargo also meant that Cardiff Blues could not offer a new contract to breakthrough academy prop [[Rhys Carre]], who would as a result take up an offer from Saracens.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-newcomer-rhys-carre-reveals-16473517 | title=Highly-rated star reveals why he's quit Welsh rugby to join Saracens | date=24 June 2019 }}</ref>

====Changes at boardroom level====
The "Reset" talks also resulted in major changes and a process of modernisation at board level. Peter Thomas stepped down after twenty years as chairman and became Life President while remaining on the board.<ref name="auto3">{{cite web | url=https://www.hughjames.com/blog/alun-jones-appointed-chairman-of-cardiff-blues | title=Alun Jones appointed chairman of Cardiff Blues | date=January 2019 }}</ref> Thomas would also write off £14 million of loans he'd made to the club since 1996.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/professional-services/banking-finance/former-cardiff-blues-chairman-peter-17681315.amp | title=Former Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas writes off millions in club loans | date=5 February 2020 }}</ref> Fellow investor Martyn Ryan also wrote off a near seven figure sum. Long term board members [[Gareth Edwards (rugby union)|Gareth Edwards]] and Paul Bailey also stepped aside to become Life Patrons.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/board-management | title=Board & Management {{pipe}} Cardiff Rugby }}</ref>

The new chairman was Managing Partner of Law Firm Hugh James, Alun Jones<ref name="auto3"/> and experienced business people Andrew Williams <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/andrew-williams-joins-cardiff-blues-board-as-modernisation-continues | title=Andrew Williams joins Cardiff Blues board as modernisation continues }}</ref> and Hayley Parsons would also join the board<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49250841 | title=Blues appoint first female board member | work=BBC Sport }}</ref> in the first major changes to the Cardiff Rugby Ltd board since its creation in 1997. Three years later, David Allen would become the board's first supporter advisor.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/meet-david-allen-cardiff-rugby-supporters-advisor-to-the-board | title=Meet David Allen - Cardiff Rugby Supporters|website=Cardiffrugby.wales }}</ref>

====Covid 19====
Mulvihill's second season continued the mixed set of results experienced in his first season. This season was however to be curtailed by the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53048374 | title=Blues plan for 'devastating' Covid-19 effect | work=BBC Sport }}</ref> As with every other professional sports team, Cardiff Blues's future was now in jeopardy. Planning for future seasons was also curtailed with Mulvihill once again being unable to recruit significantly. As part of negotiations over necessary wage cuts, extended contracts were handed out to squad members.

Mulvihill remained in charge for the following season, which was to be played behind closed doors as the pandemic continued. With the Arms Park used as part of the Dragons Heart emergency hospital, Cardiff played home games at Rodney Parade in Newport as well as two matches back at Cardiff City Stadium.

Two and half years of taking charge of Cardiff Blues through an unprecedented level of off field disruption came to an end for Mulvihill on New Years Day 2021, when he left the club to return to his family in Australia.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55537214 | title=Coach Mulvihill set to leave Cardiff Blues | work=BBC Sport }}</ref>

===2021–present===
==== Return of Dai Young ====
Young had ended his lengthy stay at Wasps early in 2020. Aware that he was now available, the Cardiff Blues board saw him as an ideal replacement for the departing Mulvihill. He signed an initial short-term contract, followed by a longer term one in April 2021.

Young improved the team's fortunes and secured a return to Champions Cup rugby with a defeat of Edinburgh. Like his predecessor, off field issues meant that he was unable to substantially change his squad.

====Rebranding====
On March 1, 2021, following discussions with supporter groups, the club announced a rebranding to Cardiff Rugby, dropping the Blues name and logo from August 1, 2021.

Chief Executive Richard Holland clarified the club's identity, explaining that "We are a club with regional responsibilities....There has always been this question mark over what purpose Blues serves. It's a suffix, at the end of the day, to Cardiff. This change is reaffirming who we are and being proud of that, while still continuing our regional duties. We believe it's the right decision. It's an exciting development for us as a company where we embrace the rich history and heritage of ourselves as a club."<ref name="walesonline1">{{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-inside-story-cardiff-rugby-19942523 | title=The full inside story on the Cardiff Rugby rebrand | date=March 2021 }}</ref>

Holland also clarified the position of the Cardiff RFC Premiership team after the rebrand, "Cardiff Rugby is the overarching brand that's going to encompass the pro team and the semi-pro team... Cardiff, as the Rags team, will play in the Premiership. There is no change with that."<ref name="walesonline1"/> "

"Rags" was a reference to the traditional nickname for the Cardiff second XV.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://cf10rugbytrust.org/blog/other-cardiff-team-story-rags | title=The Other Cardiff Team: The Story of the Rags | date=27 April 2021 }}</ref> Following the rebrand, academy manager Gruff Rees became Director of Rugby of the Cardiff RFC XV and began a process Rees described as "full alignment with our academy".

Chairman Alun Jones further clarified, "What the rebrand does is to re-connect with our history. It's about having a clear identity."<ref name="walesonline1"/>

====The Champions Cup "Misfits"====
Cardiff's 2021/22 season had begun steadily, with three wins and two close defeats in their first five URC matches. After the autumn internationals, the squad flew to South Africa for matches against the Lions and Stormers.

While there, news of the spread of the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant|Omicron variant]] in South Africa forced the postponement of the matches. The entire squad was forced into quarantine, initially in South Africa and later at airport hotels in England.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Cardiff plan to leave South Africa |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/59453328 |access-date=2023-04-02}}</ref>

Champions Cup matches against French champions [[Stade Toulousain]] and English champions [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] were now in doubt as Cardiff seemed unlikely to be able to raise a team from the few players who hadn't flown to South Africa. A total of 32 players and 10 members of staff had been on the trip and an additional 10 players were either injured or suspended.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Simon |date=2021-12-10 |title=Dai Young demands common sense to stop Cardiff six spending 22 days isolating |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/dai-young-demands-common-sense-22427168 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref>

Cardiff made the decision to fulfill the fixtures nevertheless. Gruff Rees was put in temporary charge of the team.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Cardiff 'misfits' to face Toulouse |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/59549760 |access-date=2023-04-02}}</ref> In addition to the few players that had been left at home, he called upon members of the [[Cardiff RFC]] semi pro squad and added two experienced semi pro props from [[Aberavon RFC]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Simon |date=2021-12-08 |title=Cardiff's seven new players confirmed as semi-pro Jenkins gets call of his life |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiffs-seven-new-players-officially-22403205 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref>

The team Rees dubbed his "misfits" therefore took the field against Toulouse at the Arms Park with a primary school teacher ([[Evan Yardley]]), groundsman ([[Rowan Jenkins]]) and recruitment consultant (Alex Everett) amongst the part time players in the 23 man squad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Simon |date=2021-12-11 |title=The teacher, groundsman and student Cardiff drafted in to play French giants |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-v-toulouse-teacher-groundsman-22431721 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref> Before a rowdy Arms Park crowd and Channel 4's cameras, the team performed admirably and beyond expectations before going down to an [[Antoine Dupont]] inspired Toulouse team.

The following week, a similar squad, now with "Rags" Backs Coach [[Dan Fish]] - who had only recently retired from professional rugby - at outside half played Harlequins at the Stoop.<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Ben |date=2021-12-17 |title=Quins v Cardiff team news as cult hero Dan Fish faces England ace Marcus Smith |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/harlequins-v-cardiff-team-news-22494594 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref> Tries by academy players [[Cameron Winnett]] and [[Theo Cabango]] meant that the game was tied at 17 all at half time before Harlequins finally took control of the game away from the "misfits" in the second half.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Harlequins 43-17 Cardiff Rugby |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/59651049 |access-date=2023-04-02}}</ref> Fish's inspired performance was widely praised in the media and sealed his status as a cult hero among Cardiff supporters.

====Financial troubles====
In April 2025, the club indicated it was due to go into [[Administration in United Kingdom law|administration]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aitken |first1=Catriona |title=Fans 'shocked and gutted' as rugby club set for administration |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy488mzmrdpo |access-date=9 April 2025 |publisher=BBC News |date=9 April 2025}}</ref> The assets and business were bought out of administration by the [[Welsh Rugby Union]] 24 hours later to safeguard the clubs ongoing existence. The Union intended to sell to private investors at a later stage, but for the foreseeable future would run Cardiff as a WRU subsidiary.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-11 |title=Welsh Rugby Union's acquisition of Cardiff Rugby cost £780,000 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cpwz71e7zdpo |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==World Rugby Hall of Fame==
Cardiff are one of only three clubs to have been inducted into the [[World Rugby Hall of Fame]].<ref name=halloffame>https://www.world.rugby/halloffame</ref> The club's innovation of the four three quarter system in 1885 was copied first by Wales and later spread throughout the rugby world, leaving a lasting mark upon the game. The club was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

In addition, eleven former Cardiff players have been inducted into the Hall of Fame:<ref name=halloffame/>
*[[Gareth Edwards (rugby union)|Gareth Edwards]]
*[[Cliff Morgan]]
*[[Frank Hancock]]
*[[Jonah Lomu]]
*[[Jack Matthews (rugby union)|Jack Matthews]]
*[[Bleddyn Williams]]
*[[Keith Rowlands]]
*[[Barry John]]
*[[Gerald Davies]]
*[[Gwyn Nicholls]]
*[[Johnny Williams (rugby union, born 1882)|Johnny Williams]]

==Colours==
The traditional Cardiff colours of blue and black were modelled on the colours used by [[Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cai.cam.ac.uk/news/caius-and-cardiff-extend-connection | title=Caius and Cardiff extend connection | date=30 September 2021 }}</ref> and remained in use by the team until 2006.

At that time, Cardiff Blues changed their playing strip in a decision widely interpreted as a move away from the old Cardiff RFC identity, as for the first time black was not included alongside the blue.

A variety of alternative colour designs have been used as change strips and for jerseys used in European rugby. A blue and gold jersey modelled on one worn by [[Aberdare RFC]] and created to raise money for the seriously injured Aberdare born Cardiff player [[Owen Williams (rugby union, born 1991)|Owen Williams]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.planetrugby.com/blues-new-kit-to-support-owen-williams-3/ | title=Blues' new kit to support Owen Williams | date=12 August 2015 }}</ref> proved popular and was worn in the 2018 [[European Challenge Cup]] final win in Bilbao.

Cardiff Rugby have now returned to their traditional colours of Cambridge blue and black, as of 2021.
<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15189/12232708/cardiff-blues-to-rebrand-as-cardiff-rugby-from-start-of-2021-22-season | title=Cardiff Blues to rebrand as Cardiff Rugby from start of 2021-22 season }}</ref>

==Sponsorship==
The following companies have produced kits for the Cardiff Blues or sponsored the side at some point in their history since 2003.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! Period
! Kit manufacturer
! Chest Sponsor
! Back Sponsor
! Sleeve Sponsor
|-
|2003–2004
|[[Fila (company)|Fila]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Bmibaby|BMI Baby]]
|rowspan="2"|Brecon Carreg
|rowspan="2"|[[HSS Hire]]
|-
|2004–2008
|rowspan="4"|[[Canterbury of New Zealand|Canterbury]]
|-
|2008–2014
|[[Airbus|EADS]]
|Geldards LLP
|HSS Hire & Nolan UPVC
|-
|2014–2017
|[[Airbus]]
|rowspan="3"|Capital Law
|HSS Hire & CPS Homes
|-
|2017–2019
|rowspan="2"|[[Land Rover]]
|rowspan="2"|HSS Hire & High Motive
|-
|2019–2020
|rowspan="3"|[[Macron (sportswear)|Macron]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-roll-back-years-14908496|title=Cardiff Blues roll back the years with new kit|first=Ben|last=James|date=14 July 2018|website=walesonline.co.uk}}</ref>
|-
|2020–2022
|rowspan="2"|MSS<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/cardiff-blues-announce-major-new-sponsorship-with-mss-group|title=Cardiff Blues announce major new sponsorship with MSS Group|date=30 September 2020|website=cardiffrugby.wales}}</ref>
|rowspan="2|Hugh James<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hughjames.com/blog/hugh-james-partners-with-cardiff-blues|title=Hugh James partners with Cardiff Blues|date=26 Jun 2019|website=hughjames.com}}</ref> & [[LexisNexis Risk Solutions]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/lexisnexis-risk-solutions-extend-partnership-with-cardiff-blues|title=LexisNexis Risk Solutions extend partnership with Cardiff Blues|date=8 October 2020|website=cardiffrugby.wales}}</ref>
|[[Cardiff University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/cardiff-university-and-cardiff-blues-enter-exciting-partnership|title=Cardiff University and Cardiff Blues enter exciting partnership|date=16 November 2017|website=cardiffrugby.wales}}</ref> & High Motive<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/high-motive-the-latest-commercial-partner-to-renew|title=High Motive the latest commercial partner to renew|date=9 October 2020|website=cardiffrugby.wales}}</ref> & Indigo Group<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/cardiff-blues-and-the-indigo-group-continue-partnership|title=Cardiff Blues and The Indigo Group continue partnership|date=21 October 2020|website=cardiffrugby.wales}}</ref>
|-
|2022–
|High Motive & Indigo Group & Ogi <ref>{{Cite web |last=www.uprisevsi.co.uk |first=upriseVSI |title=Celebrating connection and community - Ogi announces partnership with Cardiff Rugby |url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/celebrating-connection-and-community-ogi-announces-partnership-with-cardiff-rugby |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=upriseVSI}}</ref> & Land Rover
|}

==Home ground==
{{Main|Cardiff Arms Park}}
[[File:Cardiff Arms Park and Millennium Stadium.jpg|thumb]]
[[Cardiff Arms Park]] has been owned by Cardiff Athletic Club<ref>{{cite web | url=https://rugbyphilbb.com/2017/03/07/the-lease/ | title=The Lease | date=7 March 2017 }}</ref> since the 1920s and has long been considered Cardiff Rugby's spiritual home.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/cardiff-arms-park | title=Cardiff Arms Park {{pipe}} Cardiff Rugby }}</ref> From the late 19th century onward, the Arms Park hosted both a cricket ground and a rugby ground until the southern side of the site was sold to the WRU in 1968. The northern side of the Arms Park then became Cardiff Rugby Club's home stadium, while the southern side was to become first the National Stadium and later the [[Principality Stadium]]. Cardiff have moved high-profile fixtures "next door" on a number of occasions, such as the [[2008–09 Heineken Cup]] semi-final versus [[Leicester Tigers]].

The Arms Park currently consists of two main stands, both with seated and terraced sections. At the east and west ends of the stadium are blocks of hospitality facilities and office space. The Cardiff Athletic Clubhouse sits next to the South Stand.

For three seasons from the beginning of the 2009–10 season the first team moved to the new [[Cardiff City Stadium]] at [[Leckwith]]. Financial pressures and supporter dissatisfaction led to several home games being moved back to the Arms Park in the 2011–12 season. On 8 May 2012 it was announced that the 20-year lease with Cardiff City F.C. had been broken by mutual consent following significant financial losses incurred as a result of the move. The club returned to the Arms Park from the 2012/13 season.

For the conclusion of the abbreviated 2019/20 season, and the start of the 2020/21 season, due to the [[COVID-19]] pandemic and the use of Cardiff Arms Park as part of the Dragons Heart emergency hospital, Cardiff played some home games behind closed doors at [[Rodney Parade]] in [[Newport, Wales|Newport]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54282626 | title=Cardiff Blues return to Rodney Parade | work=BBC Sport }}</ref> The club also returned to Cardiff City Stadium for two matches behind closed doors during this period.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/results | title=Results {{pipe}} Cardiff Rugby }}</ref>

In 2022, it was announced that an extension to the lease at Cardiff Arms Park had been signed with Cardiff Rugby's main shareholder, [[Cardiff Athletic Club]]. Cardiff Athletic Club are exploring options for a refurbishment and redevelopment of the Arms Park stadium and wider site.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/three-year-lease-extension-agreed | title=Three-year lease extension agreed }}</ref>

===Attendances===
Total, average and highest attendances in all competitions. Friendlies are not included.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://cardiffrfcfans.com/analysis/5559.php | title=CRFC Fans {{pipe}} Cardiff Rugby: Home attendances }}</ref>

(Crowd figures from before 2004/5 are often estimated and incomplete and are therefore unreliable.)

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!scope=col|Season
!Matches
! scope="col" |Total
!scope=col|Average
!scope=col|Highest
|-
| 2004–5 
|13|| 68,131  || 5,241 || 10,186
|-
| 2005–6 
|14|| 114,459 || 8,176 || 15,327
|-
| 2006–7 
|16|| 159,822 || 9,989 || 26,645
|-
| 2007–8 
|13|| 115,269 || 8,867 || 12,532
|-
| 2008–9 
|17|| '''254,663'''|| '''14,980'''|| '''44,212'''
|-
| 2009–10 
|15||150,647 || 10,043|| 16,341
|-
| 2010–11 
|16||154,697 || 9,669 || 22,160
|-
| 2011–12 
|16||114,067 || 7,129 || 10,660
|-
| 2012–13 
|16||134,358 || 8,397 || 10,243
|-
| 2013–14 
|16||131,398 || 8,212 || 12,125
|-
| 2014–15 
|16||125,952 || 7,872 || 10,900
|-
| 2015–16 
|14||111,494 || 7,964 || 11,720
|-
| 2016–17 
|16||127,265 || 7,954 || 11,654
|-
| 2017–18 
|'''18'''||162,813 || 9,045 || 11,723
|-
| 2018–19 
|13||119,686 || 9,207 || 12,018
|-
| 2019–20 
|9||63,814  || 7,090  || 12,125
|-
| 2020–21 
| -||n/a     || n/a   || n/a
|-
| 2021–22 
|10||78,190  || 7,819 || 10,075
|-
|2022-23
|12
|87,206
|7,267
|12,121
|-
|2023-24
|11
|101,670
|9,243
|20,167
|-
|2024-25
|11
|95,634
|8,994
|12,125
|}

==Regional Responsibilities==
===Clubs and Schools===
[[File:WalesRugbyRegions.png|thumb|A map showing the Welsh rugby regions.]]
Cardiff Rugby are responsible for assisting the development of rugby in an area covering five [[unitary authorities]]: [[City of Cardiff]], the [[Vale of Glamorgan]], [[Rhondda Cynon Taff]], [[Merthyr]] and southern [[Powys]]. This area includes 76 community clubs, 61 secondary schools and 320 Primary schools.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/community | title=Community {{pipe}} Cardiff Rugby }}</ref>

Tref-y-Clawdd RFC in [[Knighton, Powys|Knighton]] on the border with [[Shropshire]] is the most northerly rugby club within this area, but the majority of clubs are based within the population centres of Cardiff and the communities to the immediate north and west of the city. They include Welsh Premiership clubs [[Cardiff RFC]], [[Merthyr RFC]] and [[Pontypridd RFC]] plus WRU Championship clubs [[Beddau RFC]], [[Rumney RFC]], [[St.Peters RFC]], [[Cardiff Metropolitan University RFC]], [[Glamorgan Wanderers RFC]] and [[Ystrad Rhondda RFC]]  .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffblues.com/786_120.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020023320/http://www.cardiffblues.com/786_120.php|url-status=dead|title=Cardiff Blues : Regional Clubs<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=20 October 2007}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>

The club has close links with [[Coleg y Cymoedd]], [[Cardiff and Vale College]], [[Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf]] and [[Whitchurch High School]], with all four playing in the WRU's elite Schools and Colleges League.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://community.wru.wales/2021/09/23/cavc-make-it-three-from-three-with-cymoedd-triumph/ | title=CAVC make it three from three with Cymoedd triumph | date=23 September 2021 }}</ref> The club has also formed a partnership with the fee paying [[Christ College Brecon]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.christcollegebrecon.com/news/latest-news/christ-college-unites-with-cardiff-blues-for-inclusive-rugby-partnership/ | title=Christ College unites with Cardiff Blues for inclusive rugby partnership }}</ref> and has formed links with [[Hartpury College]] in Gloucestershire.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/academy-link-up-with-hartpury-college-to-retain-key-talent | title=Academy link up with Hartpury College to retain key talent }}</ref>

The area also includes [[Cardiff Metropolitan University]] and [[Cardiff University]], both leading University teams competing in [[BUCS Super Rugby]] in addition to the [[University of South Wales]]. Cardiff Academy players are often also students at these three universities.

===Community Foundation===
Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation are the charitable, not for profit community arm of the organisation. The Foundation delivers a range of programmes aimed at using rugby to make an impact upon communities both socially and economically.<ref name="auto8">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugbyfoundation.wales/|title=Cardiff Blues Camps|website=Cardiffrugbyfoundation.wales|access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

Programmes include schools workshops, player visits, discounted rugby kits and rugby camps.<ref name="auto8"/>

===Age Group Rugby and Academy===
At Under 16s level, two representative teams are selected (North and South) to compete in the RAG U16 Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/under-16-coaching-teams-announced-ahead-of-rag-championship-return | title=Under-16 coaching teams announced ahead of RAG Championship return }}</ref> At Under 18s level, Cardiff Rugby U18 compete in the RAG U18 league against similar teams from Scarlets, Ospreys, Dragons and RGC. Current Cardiff U18 Head Coach is Chad Mutyambizi.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/meet-cardiff-rugby-under-18-head-coach-chadd-mutyambizi | title=Meet Cardiff Rugby under-18 head coach Chadd Mutyambizi }}</ref>

High performing players from the U18 squad are offered Cardiff academy contracts. In recent years, the club has begun offering academy contracts to players at a younger age in an effort to retain players targeted by private schools and clubs in England.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/news/cardiff-youngsters-aim-to-emulate-rugby-heroes-after-penning-first-academy-deals | title=Cardiff youngsters aim to emulate rugby heroes after penning first academy deals }}</ref>

The current Cardiff Academy manager is Gruff Rees who also serves as Director of Rugby of the Cardiff RFC Welsh Premiership team. Past graduates of the Cardiff academy system include [[Sam Warburton]] [[Jamie Roberts]] [[Tomos Williams]] [[Leigh Halfpenny]] [[Ellis Jenkins]] [[Josh Navidi]] and [[Rhys Patchell]].

==Current standings==
===United Rugby Championship===
{{2024-25 United Rugby Championship table}}

{{2024-25 United Rugby Championship regional pools}}

==Ownership, management, and coaching==
===First team management===
{| class="toccolours"
|-
! style="background:silver;"|Position<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cardiffrugby.wales/management-team|title=Management Team| publisher=Cardiff Rugby|access-date=30 July 2023}}</ref>
! style="background:silver;"|Name
|-
| Head Coach
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Matt Sherratt]]
|-
| Forwards Coach
| {{flagicon|SA}} [[Corniel van Zyl]]
|-
| Scrum Coach
| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Scott Andrews (rugby union, born 1989)|Scott Andrews]]
|-
| Backs Coach
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jonny Goodridge]]
|-
| Defence Coach
| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Gethin Jenkins]]
|-
| Rugby Operations Manager
| {{flagicon|WAL}} Gafyn Cooper
|-
| Head of Performance Analysis
| {{flagicon|WAL}} Rhodri Manning
|-
| Training Ground Manager
| {{flagicon|WAL}} Mike Bieri
|-
| Head of Physical Performance
| {{flagicon|WAL}} Tristan Bevan
|-
| Team Doctor
| {{flagicon|WAL}} Dr. Daniel Vaughan
|-
| Head of Medical Services
| {{flagicon|WAL}} Dan Jones
|-
| Mobility & Recovery Coach
| {{flagicon|WAL}} Richard Hughes
|-
| Senior Analyst
| {{flagicon|WAL}} Steffan Bennett
|-
| Analyst
| {{flagicon|WAL}} Huw Rodgers
|}

===Previous head coaches===
{| class="toccolours"
|-
! style="background:silver;"|Name
! style="background:silver;"|Years
|-
| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Dai Young]]
| 2003–2011
|-
| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Gareth Baber]], [[Justin Burnell]] ''(Caretakers)''
| 2011–2012
|-
| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Phil Davies (rugby union)|Phil Davies]]
| 2012–2014
|-
| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Paul John (rugby)|Paul John]], [[Dale McIntosh]] ''(Caretakers)''
| 2014
|-
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Mark Hammett]] 
| 2014–2015
|-
| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Paul John (rugby)|Paul John]], [[Dale McIntosh]] ''(Caretakers)''
| 2015
|-
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny Wilson (rugby union)|Danny Wilson]]
| 2015–2018
|-
| {{flagicon|AUS}} [[John Mulvihill (rugby union)|John Mulvihill]]
| 2018–2021
|-
| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Dai Young]]
| 2021–2023
|}

===Ownership and management===
{| class="toccolours"
|-
! style="background:silver;"|Position<ref>{{cite book | url=https://www.zeeon.co.uk/gamehub/cardiff-rugby-v-zebre-parma | title=Cardiff Rugby v Zebre Parma | date=6 May 2022 }}</ref>
! style="background:silver;"|Name
|-
| Life President
| Peter Thomas
|-
| Life Patron
| [[Gareth Edwards (rugby union)|Gareth Edwards]]
|-
| Life Patron
| Paul Bailey
|-
| Chairman
| Alun Jones
|-
| Chief Executive
| Richard Holland
|-
| Chief Operating Officer
| Rhys Blumberg
|-
| Director
| Andrew Williams
|-
| Director
| Martyn Ryan
|-
| Director
| Hayley Parsons
|-
| Director
| Simon Webber
|-
| Director
| Keith Morgan
|-
| Life President
| Chris Sutton
|-
| Life President
| Simon Down
|-
| Supporters Advisor
| David Allen
|-
|}
''Correct as of May 2022''

The ownership of Cardiff Rugby Ltd is held by a collection of shareholders, including the majority shareholders (Helford Capital) who assumed the shares of the family of Peter Thomas and other senior directors, [[Cardiff Athletic Club]] and numerous minority shareholders including shares managed by the Supporters Trust, CF10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-truth-whats-going-cardiff-12704271|title=The full truth about what's going on at Cardiff Blues as WRU takeover is considered|publisher=[[Walesonline]]|date=2017-04-07|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref>

==Current squad==
{{For|player movements before or during the [[2024–25 United Rugby Championship|2024–25 season]]|List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers#Cardiff}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:90%; width:70%"
|-
! colspan="100" | Cardiff Rugby United Rugby Championship squad{{efn|group=Squad|Taking into account signings and departures head of 2024–25 season as listed on [[List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers]].}}
|- valign="top"
|
'''Props'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Keiron Assiratti]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Rhys Barratt]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} '''[[Ed Byrne (rugby union)|Ed Byrne]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Will Davies-King]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Corey Domachowski]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Joe Cowell]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny Southworth]]*

'''Hookers'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Liam Belcher]] ([[Captain (sports)|c]])
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Dafydd Hughes]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Evan Lloyd (rugby union, born 2001)|Evan Lloyd]]'''

'''Locks'''
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ben Donnell (rugby union)|Ben Donnell]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} '''[[Josh McNally]]''' 
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Rory Thornton]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Teddy Williams (rugby union)|Teddy Williams]]'''

||

'''Back row'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Taine Basham]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[James Botham]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Lucas de la Rua]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Taulupe Faletau]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Alun Lawrence]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Alex Mann (rugby union)|Alex Mann]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Mackenzie Martin]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Dan Thomas (rugby union)|Dan Thomas]]

'''Scrum-halves'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Ellis Bevan]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Aled Davies (rugby union)|Aled Davies]]'''
* {{flagicon|RSA}} [[Johan Mulder]]

'''Fly-halves'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Callum Sheedy]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Harri Wilde]]

||

'''Centres'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Steffan Emanuel]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Rory Jennings (rugby union)|Rory Jennings]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Ben Thomas (rugby union)|Ben Thomas]]'''

'''Wings'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Josh Adams (rugby union)|Josh Adams]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Tom Bowen (rugby union, born 2005)|Tom Bowen]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Theo Cabango]]
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Mason Grady]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Harri Millard]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Iwan Stephens]]*

'''Fullbacks'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Jacob Beetham]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Ioan Lloyd]]'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} '''[[Cameron Winnett]]'''
|-
| style="height: 10px;" colspan="100" | 
|-
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="100" | ([[Captain (sports)|c]]) denotes the team captain, '''Bold''' denotes internationally capped players. <br /> <sup>*</sup> denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality. <br /> <sup>ST</sup> denotes a player on a short-term deal at the club, <br /> Players and their allocated positions from the Cardiff Rugby website.<ref name="Senior Squad">{{cite web | url=https://cardiffrugby.wales/senior-squad | title=Senior Squad | work=Cardiff Rugby | access-date=28 July 2023}}</ref>{{notelist|group=Squad}}
|}

===Senior Academy squad===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:90%; width:70%"
|-
! colspan="100" | Cardiff Rugby Academy squad{{efn|group=Squad|Taking into account signings and departures ahead of the 2024–25 season as listed on [[List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers]].}}
|- valign="top"
|
'''Props'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} Cameron Tyler-Grocott

'''Hookers'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} Tom Howe

'''Locks'''

||

'''Back row'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} Evan Rees

'''Scrum-halves'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} Sion Davies

'''Fly-halves'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} Fraser Jones

||

'''Centres'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} Osian Darwin-Lewis
* {{flagicon|WAL}} Elijah Evans

'''Wings'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} Kodie Stone

'''Fullbacks'''
* {{flagicon|WAL}} Matty Young
|-
| style="height: 10px;" colspan="100" | 
|-
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="100" | ([[Captain (sports)|c]]) denotes the team captain, '''Bold''' denotes internationally capped players. <br /> <sup>*</sup> denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality. <br /> Players and their allocated positions from the Cardiff Rugby website.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/transition-squad|title=Academy Squad|date=24 September 2021}}</ref>{{notelist|group=Squad}}
|}

==Notable former players==
{{See also|Category: Cardiff Rugby players}}
{{For|players who have represented Cardiff between 1876 and 2003|Cardiff RFC}}

===Notable former Welsh internationals===
Players who have represented Wales and have played for Cardiff:<ref>{{cite web | url=http://en.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/player/caps.html?team=4 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818211639/http://en.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/player/caps.html?team=4 | url-status=dead | archive-date=18 August 2016 | title=Rugby Union {{pipe}} Wales Caps }}</ref>

{{div col|colwidth=19em}}
*[[Cory Allen (rugby union)|Cory Allen]]
*[[Scott Andrews (rugby union, born 1989)|Scott Andrews]]
*[[Gareth Anscombe]]
*[[Aled Brew]]
*[[Gareth Cooper]]
*[[Alex Cuthbert]]
*[[Chris Czekaj]]
*[[Kristian Dacey]]
*[[Bradley Davies]]
*[[Ben Evans (rugby union)|Ben Evans]]
*[[Gavin Evans]]
*[[Jarrod Evans]]
*[[Rhys Gill]]
*[[Leigh Halfpenny]]
*[[Iestyn Harris]]
*[[Gavin Henson]]
*[[Cory Hill]]
*[[Tom James (rugby union, born 1987)|Tom James]]
*[[Gethin Jenkins]]
*[[Adam Jones (rugby union, born 1981)|Adam Jones]]
*[[Deiniol Jones]]
*[[WillGriff John]]
*[[Tavis Knoyle]]
*[[Owen Lane]]
*[[Dillon Lewis]]
*[[Max Llewellyn]]
*[[Craig Mitchell (rugby union)|Craig Mitchell]]
*[[Scott Morgan (rugby union)|Scott Morgan]]
*[[Kirby Myhill]]
*[[Josh Navidi]]
*[[Rhys Patchell]]
*[[Mike Phillips (rugby union)|Mike Phillips]]
*[[Andy Powell (rugby)|Andy Powell]]
*[[Andries Pretorius (rugby union)|Andries Pretorius]]
*[[Rhys Priestland]]
*[[Craig Quinnell]]
*[[Matthew Rees]]
*[[Richie Rees]]
*[[Jamie Roberts]]
*[[Harry Robinson (rugby union)|Harry Robinson]]
*[[Jamie Robinson (rugby union)|Jamie Robinson]]
*[[Nicky Robinson (rugby union)|Nicky Robinson]]
*[[Matthew Screech]]
*[[Tom Shanklin]]
*[[Robert Sidoli]]
*[[Robin Sowden-Taylor]]
*[[Ceri Sweeney]]
*[[Gareth Thomas (rugby, born 1974)|Gareth Thomas]]
*[[T. Rhys Thomas]]
*[[Josh Turnbull]]
*[[Sam Warburton]]
*[[Liam Williams (rugby union)|Liam Williams]]
*[[Lloyd Williams (rugby union, born 1989)|Lloyd Williams]]
*[[Martyn Williams]]
*[[Owen Williams (rugby union, born 1991)|Owen Williams]]
*[[Rhys Williams (rugby union, born 1980)|Rhys Williams]]
*[[Tomos Williams]]
*[[John Yapp]]
{{div col end}}

===Overseas internationals===
The following is a list of Cardiff players who have represented other nations:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Union
! Player
! Year(s) they played for Cardiff RFC
|-
| rowspan="2"| {{flagicon|ARG}} Argentina
| [[Lucas González Amorosino]]
| 2014–2015
|-
| [[Joaquín Tuculet]]
| 2014–2015
|-
| rowspan="2"| {{flagicon|AUS}} Australia
| [[Matt Cockbain]]
| 2004
|-
| [[Sam Norton-Knight]]
| 2009–2010
|-
| rowspan="2"| {{flagicon|CAN}} Canada
| [[Dan Baugh]]
| 2003–2006
|-
| [[Ed Fairhurst]]
| 2006–2007
|-
| rowspan="2"| {{flagicon|FIJ}} Fiji
| [[Mosese Luveitasau]]
| 2006–2007
|-
| [[Campese Ma'afu]]
| 2012–2013
|-
| {{flagicon|GEO}} Georgia
| [[Anton Peikrishvili]]
| 2016–2018
|-
| {{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} Ireland
| [[Robin Copeland]]
| 2012–2014
|-
| {{flagicon|ITA}} Italy
| [[Manoa Vosawai]]
| 2014–2016
|-
| {{flagicon|MDA}} Moldova
| [[Dmitri Arhip]]
| 2018–2023
|-
| {{flagicon|NAM}} Namibia
| [[Heino Senekal]]
| 2002–2004
|-
| rowspan="5"| {{flagicon|NZL}} New Zealand
| [[Ben Blair]]
| 2006–2012
|-
| [[Jarrad Hoeata]]
| 2014–2017
|-
| [[Casey Laulala]]
| 2009–2012
|-
| [[Jonah Lomu]]
| 2005–2006
|-
| [[Xavier Rush]]
| 2005–2012
|-
| rowspan="5"| {{flagicon|SAM}} Samoa
| [[Pele Cowley]]
| 2016–2017
|-
| [[Rey Lee-Lo]]
| 2015–
|-
| [[Filo Paulo]]
| 2019–2020
|-
| [[Isaia Tuifua]]
| 2014
|-
| [[Freddie Tuilagi]]
| 2005–2006
|-
| rowspan="2"| {{flagicon|SCO}} Scotland
| [[Luke Hamilton]]
| 2010–2014
|-
| [[Dan Parks]]
| 2010–2012
|-
| {{flagicon|RSA}} South Africa
| [[Pieter Muller]]
| 2003–2004
|-
| rowspan="3"| {{flagicon|TON}} Tonga
| [[Taufa{{fakau'a}}ao Filise]]
| 2005–2018
|-
| [[Maama Molitika]]
| 2007–2012
|-
| [[Lopeti Timani]]
| 2022–
|-
| rowspan="4"| {{flagicon|USA}} United States
| [[Cam Dolan]]
| 2015–2017
|-
| [[Samu Manoa]]
| 2018
|-
| [[Kort Schubert]]
| 2004–2006
|-
| [[Blaine Scully]]
| 2015–2019
|-
|colspan=3|''† Lopeti Timani was also capped by Australia prior to playing for Tonga''
|-
|}

===British and Irish Lions===
The following players have been selected to play for the [[British and Irish Lions]] touring squads while playing for Cardiff since 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lionsrugby.com/lions-player-numbers/|title=Lions Player Numbers|website=British & Irish Lions|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Tour
!Series result
!Players
|-
|[[2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand|2005]]
|{{Flagicon|New Zealand}} New Zealand
|0–3
|[[Gethin Jenkins]], [[Tom Shanklin]], [[Martyn Williams]]
|-
|[[2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa|2009]]
|{{Flagicon|RSA}} South Africa
|1–2
|[[Leigh Halfpenny]], [[Gethin Jenkins]], [[Andy Powell (rugby)|Andy Powell]], [[Jamie Roberts]], [[Martyn Williams]]
|-
|[[2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia|2013]]
|{{Flagicon|AUS}} Australia
|2–1
|[[Alex Cuthbert]], [[Leigh Halfpenny]], [[Jamie Roberts]], [[Sam Warburton]]
|-
|[[2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand|2017]]
|{{Flagicon|New Zealand}} New Zealand
|1–1
|[[Sam Warburton]]
|-
|[[2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa|2021]]
|{{Flagicon|RSA}} South Africa
|1–2
|[[Josh Adams (rugby union)|Josh Adams]], [[Josh Navidi]]
|}

==Honours, results and statistics==
===Club honours===
*'''[[United Rugby Championship|Welsh Shield]]''' – [[2022–23 United Rugby Championship|2022-23]], [[2024-25 United Rugby Championship|2024-25]]
*'''[[Anglo-Welsh Cup]]''' – [[2008–09 EDF Energy Cup|2008–09]]
*'''[[European Challenge Cup]]''' (2) – [[2009–10 European Challenge Cup|2009–10]] (first Welsh team to win a European Trophy), [[2017–18 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2017–18]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfthXOawHPo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/QfthXOawHPo |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Cardiff Blues v Gloucester Rugby (Final) – Highlights – 11.05.2018|last=Heineken Champions Cup|date=12 May 2018 |access-date=10 January 2019|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*'''[[Magners League]]''' - [[2006-07 Magners League|2006-07]] (runners up), [[2007-08 Celtic League|2007-08]] (runners up)

===Celtic League / Pro12 / Pro14 / United Rugby Championship===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Season
! Played
! Won
! Drawn
! Lost
! Bonus
! Points
! Position
|- 
|[[2003–04 Celtic League|2003–04]] ||22||11||0||11||10||54||6th
|-
|[[2004–05 Celtic League|2004–05]] ||20||8||1||11||6||40||9th
|-
|[[2005–06 Celtic League|2005–06]] ||22||11||0||9||11||63||4th{{efn-la|11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded 4 points instead. Therefore, each team finished the season with 8 more points than the table would seem to warrant.}}
|-
|[[2006–07 Celtic League|2006–07]] ||20||13||1||6||9||63||2nd
|-
|[[2007–08 Celtic League|2007–08]] ||18||12||0||6||8||56||2nd
|-
|[[2008–09 Celtic League|2008–09]] ||18||8||1||9||4||38||6th
|-
|[[2009–10 Celtic League|2009–10]] ||18||10||0||8||4||44||5th
|-
|[[2010–11 Celtic League|2010–11]] ||22||13||1||8||6||60||6th
|-
|[[2011–12 Pro12|2011–12]] ||22||10||0||12||10||50||7th
|-
|[[2012–13 Pro12|2012–13]] ||22||8||0||14||6||38||9th
|-
|[[2013–14 Pro12|2013–14]] ||22||8||1||13||7||41||7th
|-
|[[2014–15 Pro12|2014–15]] ||22||7||1||14||5||35||10th
|-
|[[2015–16 Pro12|2015–16]] ||22||11||0||11||12||56||7th
|-
|[[2016–17 Pro12|2016–17]] ||22||11||1||10||7||53||7th
|-
|[[2017–18 Pro14|2017–18]] ||21||11||0||10||10||54||4th (Conference A)
|-
|[[2018–19 Pro14|2018–19]] ||21||10||0||11||14||54||5th (Conference A)
|-
|[[2019–20 Pro14|2019–20]] ||15{{efn-la|Only 15 rounds were played during the [[2019–20 Pro14|2019–20]] season due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Europe]].<ref name="behind closed doors">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53493901 |title=Pro14 restart: 2019-20 season resumes with derby weekends |website=BBC.co.uk |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 July 2020 |access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref>}}||7||0||8||5||33||6th (Conference A)
|-
|[[2020–21 Pro14|2020–21]] ||16{{efn-la|Only 16 rounds were played during the [[2020–21 Pro14|2020–21]] season due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Europe]], with the remaining matches replaced by the [[Pro14 Rainbow Cup]] competition.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Guinness PRO14 to Conclude in March Ahead of Rainbow Cup with South Africa's Super Teams|url=https://www.pro14.rugby/latest/pro14/guinness-pro14-to-conclude-in-march-ahead-of-rainbow-cup-with-south-africa-super-teams|access-date=2020-12-24|website=www.pro14.rugby|language=en|archive-date=28 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228080458/https://www.pro14.rugby/latest/pro14/guinness-pro14-to-conclude-in-march-ahead-of-rainbow-cup-with-south-africa-super-teams|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}||8||0||8||4||36||4th (Conference B)
|-
|[[2021–22 United Rugby Championship|2021–22]] ||18||7||0||11||4||32||14th
|-
|[[2022–23 United Rugby Championship|2022–23]] ||18||9||0||9||8||44||10th
|-
|[[2023–24 United Rugby Championship|2023–24]] ||18||4||1||13||14||32||12th
|-
|[[2024–25 United Rugby Championship|2024–25]] ||18||8||1||9||13||47||9th
|-
|}

===Celtic Cup===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Season !! Round !! Match
|-
|[[Celtic Cup (rugby union)#2003–04 season|2003–04]]{{efn-la|Did not qualify for the 2004–05 Celtic Cup. The tournament was stopped after the 2004–05 season.}}
|Quarter-final||'''[[Edinburgh Rugby]]''' 33 – 16 Cardiff Blues
|}

===Heineken Cup / Rugby Champions Cup===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Season !! Pool !! Played !! Won !! Draw !! Loss !! BP !! Points !! Place
|-
|[[2003–04 Heineken Cup|2003–04]]
|3||6||2||0||4||3||11||3rd
|-
|[[2004–05 Heineken Cup|2004–05]]
|6||6||1||0||5||3||7||4th
|-
|[[2005–06 Heineken Cup|2005–06]]
|2||6||3||0||3||3||15||3rd
|-
|[[2006–07 Heineken Cup|2006–07]]
|4||6||2||0||4||1||9||3rd
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[2007–08 Heineken Cup|2007–08]]
|3||6||4||1||1||2||20||1st
|- style="text-align:center"
|Quarter-final
|colspan="7"|'''[[Stade Toulousain|Toulouse]]''' 41 – 17 Cardiff Blues
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[2008–09 Heineken Cup|2008–09]]
|6||6||6||0||0||3||27||1st
|- style="text-align:center"
|Quarter-final
|colspan="7"|'''Cardiff Blues''' 9 – 6 [[Stade Toulousain|Toulouse]]
|- style="text-align:center"
|Semi-final
|colspan="7"|Cardiff Blues 26 – 26 (6–7 [[Penalty shootout|penalties]]) '''[[Leicester Tigers]]'''
|-
|[[2009–10 Heineken Cup|2009–10]]
|5||6||4||0||2||2||18||2nd
|-
|[[2010–11 Heineken Cup|2010–11]]
|1||6||3||0||3||2||14||2nd
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[2011–12 Heineken Cup|2011–12]]
|2||6||5||0||1||1||21||2nd
|- style="text-align:center"
|Quarter-final
|colspan="7"|'''[[Leinster Rugby|Leinster]]''' 34 – 3 Cardiff Blues
|-
|[[2012–13 Heineken Cup|2012–13]]
|6||6||1||0||5||2||6||3rd
|-
|[[2013–14 Heineken Cup|2013–14]]
|2||6||3||0||3||2||14||2nd
|-
|[[2018-19 European Rugby Champions Cup|2018–19]]
|3||6||2||0||4||2||10||3rd
|-
|[[2021-22 European Rugby Champions Cup|2021–22]]
|B||4||1||0||3||3||7||9th
|-
|[[2023-24 European Rugby Champions Cup|2023–24]]
|B||4||0||0||4||3||3||6th
|-
|}

===European Rugby Challenge Cup===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Season !! Pool !! Played !! Won !! Draw !! Loss !! BP !! Points !! Place
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[2009–10 Amlin Challenge Cup|2009–10]]
|Quarter-final
|colspan="7"|[[Newcastle Falcons]] 20 – 55 '''Cardiff Blues'''
|-
|Semi-final
|colspan="7"|[[Wasps RFC|London Wasps]] 15 – 18 '''Cardiff Blues'''
|-
|Final
|colspan="7"|'''Cardiff Blues''' 28 – 21 [[RC Toulonnais|Toulon]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2014–15]]
|1||6||5||0||1||4||24||2nd
|- style="text-align:center"
|Quarter-final
|colspan="7"|'''[[Newport Gwent Dragons]]''' 25 – 21 Cardiff
|-
|[[2015-16 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2015–16]]
|3||6||3||0||3||5||17||3rd
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[2016-17 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2016–17]]
|4||6||5||0||1||2||22||2nd
|- style="text-align:center"
|Quarter-final
|colspan="7"|'''Gloucester''' 46 – 26 Cardiff
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[2017-18 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2017–18]]
|2||6||5||0||1||1||21||1st
|- style="text-align:center"
|Quarter-final
|colspan="7"|[[Edinburgh Rugby|Edinburgh]] 6 – 20 '''Cardiff'''
|- style="text-align:center"
|Semi-final
|colspan="7"| '''Cardiff''' 16 – 10 [[Section Paloise|Pau]]
|- style="text-align:center"
|Final
|colspan="7"|'''Cardiff''' 31 – 30 [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]]
|-
|[[2019-20 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2019–20]]
|5||6||3||0||3||6||18||3rd
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[2020-21 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2020–21]]
|A||2{{efn-la|Only 2 rounds of the preliminary stage were played before suspension due to new restrictions surrounding the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Europe]]. A revised format to finish the competition involving the top 8 teams from the preliminary stage and knocked out teams from the [[2020–21 European Rugby Champions Cup|Champions Cup]] was played thereafter.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 February 2021|title=Revised EPCR tournament formats for 2020/21 season announced|url=https://www.epcrugby.com/2021/02/24/revised-epcr-tournament-formats-for-2020-21-season-announced/|access-date=24 February 2021|website=European Professional Club Rugby}}</ref>}}||2||0||0||1||9||2nd
|- style="text-align:center"
|Last 16
|colspan="7"|'''[[London Irish]]''' 41 – 35 Cardiff
|- style="text-align:center"
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[2022-23 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2022–23]]
|A||4||3||0||1||3||15||3rd
|- style="text-align:center"
|Last 16
|colspan="7"|'''Cardiff''' 28 – 27 [[Sale Sharks]]
|- style="text-align:center"
|-
|Quarter-final
|colspan="7"|'''[[Benetton Rugby|Benetton]]''' 27 – 23 Cardiff Rugby
|- style="text-align:center"
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[2024-25 European Rugby Challenge Cup|2024–25]]
|1||4||1||0||3||3||7||4th
|- style="text-align:center"
|Last 16
|colspan="7"|'''[[Connacht Rugby|Connacht]]''' 35 – 20 Cardiff
|}

===Anglo-Welsh Cup===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Season
! Group/Round
! Pos
! Played
! Won
! Drawn
! Lost
! Bonus
! Points
|-
|[[2005–06 Powergen Cup|2005–06]] || Group B || 2nd || 3 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 6
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[2006–07 EDF Energy Cup|2006–07]] || Group B || 1st || 3 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 13
|-
|Semi-final || colspan="8"|Cardiff Blues 10–27 '''[[Ospreys (rugby union)|Ospreys]]'''
|-
|[[2007–08 EDF Energy Cup|2007–08]] || Group B || 2nd || 3 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 9
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[2008–09 EDF Energy Cup|2008–09]] || Group B || 1st || 3 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 12
|-
|Semi-final || colspan="8"|'''Cardiff Blues''' 11–5 [[Northampton Saints]]
|-
|Final || colspan="8"|'''Cardiff Blues''' 50–12 [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[2009–10 LV Cup|2009–10]] || Pool 3 || 1st || 4 || 3 || 0 || 1 || 3 || 15
|-
|Semi-final||colspan="8"|Cardiff Blues 18–29 '''[[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]]'''
|-
|[[2010–11 LV Cup|2010–11]] || Pool 1 || 3rd || 4 || 0 || 1 || 3 || 0 || 2
|-
|[[2011–12 LV Cup|2011–12]] || Pool 2 || 3rd || 4 || 1 || 0 || 3 || 1 || 5 
|-
|[[2012–13 LV Cup|2012–13]] || Pool 2 || 3rd || 4 || 2 || 0 || 2 || 1 || 9
|-
|[[2013–14 LV Cup|2013–14]] || Pool 2 || 3rd || 4 || 2 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 10
|-
|[[2014–15 LV Cup|2014–15]] || Pool 2 || 2nd || 4 || 3 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 13
|-
|[[2016-17 Anglo-Welsh Cup|2016–17]] || Pool 3 || 4th || 4 || 0 || 0 || 4 || 2 || 2
|-
|[[2017-18 Anglo-Welsh Cup|2017–18]] || Pool 1 || 4th || 4 || 0 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 0
|-
|}

==EPCR milestones==
In 2004 Cardiff Blues received the ERC Elite Award for having played 50 games in the Heineken Cup. This record began in 1995 when Cardiff RFC recorded an away draw at Bordeaux, and continued following the reorganisation of Welsh rugby in 2003.

As of 2022, Cardiff Rugby have played 124 matches in European Competition, making them joint 8th (with [[ASM Clermont Auvergne]]) on the all-time list.<ref name="Champions Cup {{pipe}} Milestones">{{cite web | url=https://www.epcrugby.com/champions-cup/history/milestones/ | title=Champions Cup {{pipe}} Milestones }}</ref>

[[Rhys Williams (rugby union, born 1980)|Rhys Williams]] has made more appearances for Cardiff in the top tier of European Cup Rugby than any other player with 78 appearances. [[Martyn Williams]] appeared 85 times in European competition, with 17 of his appearances coming with [[Pontypridd RFC]].<ref name="Champions Cup {{pipe}} Milestones"/>

Rhys Williams is also Cardiff's top try scorer in the competition with 22.<ref name="Champions Cup {{pipe}} Milestones"/>

==See also==
* [[Rugby union in Wales]]
* [[Rugby in Cardiff]]

==Notes==
{{notelist-la}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://cardiffrugby.wales/}}

{{Cardiff Rugby}}
{{Cardiff Rugby squad}}
{{United Rugby Championship}}
{{Rugby union in Wales}}
{{European Rugby Challenge Cup}}
{{Sport in Cardiff}}

[[Category:Cardiff Rugby| ]]
[[Category:Rugby union teams in Wales]]
[[Category:Rugby clubs established in 2003]]
[[Category:Sport in Cardiff]]
[[Category:United Rugby Championship teams]]