By Andrew Collins
April 30 2005

Blues fans finally have some good news comming through the printing press' as it was today comfirmed that the Cardiff Blues are chasing New Zeland duo, Reuben Thorne and Xavier Rush. Blues fans finally have some good news comming through the printing press' as it was today comfirmed that the Cardiff Blues are chasing New Zeland duo, Reuben Thorne and Xavier Rush.

27-year-old Rush would demand around £100,000 a year with the more experienced Thorne looking at about £120,000. The pair worked with Dai during the pre-season in which Kiwi coach Henry personally requested Youngs' experities before the Autaum internationals.

There are two stumbling blocks for the Blues to clear however. One is the possibility of the back-rowers being selected to play against the Lions this summer, to be selected for the NZ squad, they need to be at a club in the Super 12, however this can be overcome if they sign after the game. The other problem is that Dai must convince the WRU that there are no other Welsh players available in that position, which with the Welsh back-rowers evenly spread throughout the regions is quite an easy prospect.

Rush would take up the number 8 spot with Kort Schubert to battle against and Thorne, 30, would play at 6 or 4 taking up Dan Baugh's dogged role of ball carrier.