By MARTYN WINTERS. Cardiff new boy, Phil Davies, can’t wait to get stuck into running the region.

The ex-Worcester forwards coach was commenting on his appointment as Director of Rugby at the troubled capital city regional outfit. The former Scarlet outlined his plans for the region and his aim to stem the tide of poor results that have stricken the club in recent months.

Davies said: "There are a lot of good jobs in rugby but when you get offered the role of being the Director of Rugby for Cardiff Blues, which is one of the most recognised teams in Europe, then I didn’t have to think twice."

In a nod to the recent run, and his hopes for the future, he commented: "There’s a lot of work to be done but it’s a chance and an opportunity for the next generation to come through and keep the Blues region at the top of the game."

The severe financial restrictions afflicting all the regions in Wales was uppermost in his thoughts when he said: "The salary cap will focus the mind and I genuinely believe we have to work through the change, there maybe growing pains but we can become competitive again."

"There’s a lot of history that goes with the Blues region from the great Pontypridd teams from the 80′s and 90′s when Lynn Howells and Dennis John were coaching and Neil Jenkins was kick goals and Dale McIntosh charging everywhere, to the Cardiff RFC teams of Gareth Davies, Gareth Edwards and Terry Holmes. The heritage is massive and the passion is there."

"We need to get the region to understand that we are proud of that history but embrace it and move forward."

"I’m very humbled and privileged to have this role and will work as hard as I can to make sure it’s successful."

Yapp burst onto the Cardiff club scene at Christmas 2002 making his first team debut against Ebbw Vale on Boxing Day at the age of 18. Since then he has gone on to make 161 appearances for the Blues and won the first of his 21 caps for Wales in the country’s Grand Slam winning RBS 6 Nations championship of 2005.

Speaking of his decision to move, John said,

“I’ve been with Cardiff and the Blues since I was 17, starting with Cardiff Youth and I’ve had a fantastic time here.”

“It’s a long time to be with one team so I felt the time was right to move on and face a fresh challenge.”

“I’ve always liked Edinburgh as a city, as it’s quite similar to Cardiff, so I’m looking forward to a new challenge and playing outside of Wales.

“Edinburgh have demonstrated what they are capable of in this year’s Heineken Cup.”

“There are many people to thank at the Blues, but David Young is the person who really developed my career and I spent most of it being coached under him.”

“There have been many highlights during my time here from the EDF and Amlin Cup wins to some big Heineken Cup games.”

“I’ve made some really good friends here as well and will miss them but I’d like to wish everyone associated with the Blues the best of luck for the future.”

“There will be a young side here next season which promises to be very exciting.”

Cardiff Blues scrum half Richie Rees who announced he would be leaving the club in March has also joined Edinburgh. Rees joined the Blues from London Irish in 2007 helping win both the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 08/09 and the European Challenge Cup in 09/10. He has made 97 appearances for the Blues, scoring 5 tries. He won the first of his 9 Welsh caps against England in the 2010 Six Nations and scored his debut international try against Australia in the 2010 Autumn Test series.

The players will be released from the Ireland squad but fellow Internationals Stephen Ferris, Andrew Trimble and Rory Best remain unavailable for selection.

Ulster’s 31 man squad contains a mix of youth and experience, with Henry taking over the captaincy in the absence of Johann Muller through injury. The 27 year old led the side admirably when Muller and Rory Best were on World Cup duty earlier in the season.

Muller will miss a second consecutive match following the calf injury he picked up last week in training, while Ali Birch is the only fresh injury after he picked up a knee injury in Friday’s win over Dragons.

Ulster have won seven of the previous nine games in all competitions, with six of those wins producing four try bonus points. Cardiff are also showing good form, particularly at home, where they have lost just one of their last eight games.

Ulster produced one of their best recent performances in this fixture last season, with Craig Gilroy scoring two debut tries to help secure a 15-37 win. The Ulstermen then completed the double over their Welsh rivals with a 32-13 success at Ravenhill.

Provisional Ulster Squad to play Cardiff, Friday 17th February, Cardiff Arms Park (kick off 7.05pm):

Forwards:

Callum Black, Adam Macklin, John Afoa, Tom Court, Jerry Cronin, Paddy McAllister, Andi Kyriacou, Nigel Brady, Lewis Stevenson, Tim Barker, Dan Tuohy, Neil McComb, Willie Faloon, Chris Henry (captain), Mike McComish, Robbie Diack

Backs:

Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Luke Marshall, Paddy Wallace, Ian Whitten, Nevin Spence, Michael Allen, Stefan Terblanche, Craig Gilroy, Conor Gaston, Simon Danielli, Chris Cochrane, Adam D’Arcy

Unavailable due to injury:

Declan Fitzpatrick, Jared Payne, Pedrie Wannenburg, Darren Cave, Johann Muller, Ali Birch

Unavailable due to IRFU Player Management:

Stephen Ferris, Rory Best, Andrew Trimble

Following Sunday’s 15-13 victory over Connacht, the medical team reported that Richardt Strauss suffered an accidental blow to the face, though at this point he has not been ruled out of contention, with the team set to be announced on Friday lunchtime.

Aside from a number of niggles after the weekend’s arduous test there are no other major injury concerns as the squad shape up for the second match in a block of three successive away games.

Kevin McLaughlin, who was rested for the win in Galway, looks set to return to the squad alongside the likes of Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Rob Kearney, Eoin Reddan, Mike Ross and Jonathan Sexton.

Steven Sykes (knee) hasn’t been ruled out of contention and he too could make the trip to the Welsh capital.

Meanwhile, Isa Nacewa’s 100 percent 15-point haul took his overall season points tally to 87 in 13 games to date.

Two wins from three in Heineken Cup Pool 2 means Edinburgh Rugby are just three points behind this weekend’s opponents, who leapfrogged Edinburgh into the Pool’s top spot in the reverse fixture last Friday (25-8).

Now, with home advantage, the capital club have the chance to redress the Pool positions, with a win capable of restoring Edinburgh to the top spot with two matches remaining – Racing Metro away followed by London Irish at Murrayfield.

The selection of Blair and Laidlaw is the only change in the Edinburgh Rugby back-line, while two personnel changes have been made in the pack – Grant Gilchrist and Netani Talei coming in for Esteban Lozada and Stuart McInally in the second and back-row.

Talei’s introduction means there’s no room for McInally in the match-day 23, with Ross Rennie retaining the back-row replacement berth, while Lozada takes Steven Turnbull’s place on the bench.

Talei, who started and scored in the club’s last home Heineken Cup match against Racing Metro, said: “Everyone’s looking forward to this game, the boys are confident and have been focussed on this match since we left Cardiff on Saturday. It’s a big, big game for us.

"Cardiff have the ability to slot points from pretty much anywhere within 50 metres so we can’t afford to give away cheap penalties.

“We have to tackle the basics first at the ruck and the tackle area – that’s what Cardiff are very good at. If we put our focus there first and give our backs the go forward we’re capable of scoring tries from anywhere around the park."

Other notable inclusions see centre Matt Scott return from a hip injury sustained in the side’s 48-47 win over Racing Metro, while the experienced Phil Godman provides the half-back replacement option for Laidlaw and Blair from the bench.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Rugby team to play Cardiff Blues in round four of the Heineken Cup at Murrayfield Stadium on Friday 16 December (kick-off 8pm)

15 Chris Paterson

14 Lee Jones

13 Nick De Luca

12 James King

11 Tim Visser

10 Greig Laidlaw CAPTAIN

9 Mike Blair

1 Allan Jacobsen

2 Ross Ford

3 Geoff Cross

4 Grant Gilchrist

5 Sean Cox

6 David Denton

7 Roddy Grant

8 Netani Talei

Substitutes

16 Steven Lawrie

17 Kyle Traynor

18 Jack Gilding

19 Esteban Lozada

20 Ross Rennie

21 Phil Godman

22 Matt Scott

23 Tom Brown

Both sides are unbeaten in the Pool, with Edinburgh taking the top spot by virtue of a four-try bonus point picked up in last month’s 11-try encounter with Racing Metro (48-47).

They face a Cardiff side whose impressive run of five consecutive wins in all competitions was interrupted last Friday as a weakened side were undone by Cup champions Leinster (52-9) at the RDS.

This run, combined with an away victory over Edinburgh in the opening match of the RaboDirect PRO12 season will no doubt fill the hosts with confidence ahead of this clash of capitals.

Edinburgh however have been increasingly impressive of late, since an away win over Treviso sparked a similar run of form, stuttering against Munster away, but returning against Aironi at Murrayfield last weekend, as they ran in seven tries to make seven home wins from nine (50-10).

Speaking at today’s press conference, head coach Michael Bradley, said: “Cardiff away will be a significant challenge indeed and is a match that will demand our utmost attention to every aspect of our game.

“We have a lot of respect for Cardiff, their players and the way they play the game. There is no hiding from the fact that they have favourable position to ours in the RaboDirect PRO12 and have already beaten us at Murrayfield this season.

“However, we must have faith in our ability, something which has been gathering steam in the past six weeks.

“Our season has a degree of momentum to it, with the recent wins in the Heineken Cup and good wins over the Italian sides, home and away.

“If we maintain the consistency of these improvements in this double-header then we are capable of achieving out goal, which is to keep our place at the top of this group and qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.”

Edinburgh Rugby 25-man squad to play Cardiff Blues in round three of the Heineken Cup (Pool 2) at the Cardiff City Stadium this Friday (9 December, kick-off 8pm)
Mike Blair, Tom Brown, Sean Cox, Geoff Cross, Nick De Luca, David Denton, Ross Ford, Jack Gilding, Phil Godman, Roddy Grant, John Houston, Allan Jacobsen, Lee Jones, James King, Greig Laidlaw, Steve Lawrie, Harry Leonard, Esteban Lozada, Stuart McInally, Chris Paterson, Ross Rennie, Kyle Traynor, Steven Turnbull, Netani Talei, Tim Visser

Not available through injury: Ben Cairns (knee), Grant Gilchrist (shoulder), Andrew Kelly (knee), Alan MacDonald (shoulder), Matt Scott (hip), Jim Thompson (knee)

The former Scarlet could have found himself out of the game for twice as long however, had it not been for his previously good record and guilty plea. Independent judicial officer, Roger Morris determined the tackle was at the mid-range entry point of six weeks and added two weeks as “a deterrent against this pattern of offending”, but reduced the penalty by four weeks in consideration of Shingler coming clean and his clear record.

A Disciplinary Hearing as a result of the red card issued to Steven Shingler, the London Irish player (No 12), during the Heineken Cup, Pool 2 match against Cardiff Blues at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 18 November 2011 was conducted today (Wednesday, 23 November 2011).

The red card was issued in the 20th minute of the first half by referee, Jerome Garces (France), for a dangerous tackle on the Cardiff Blues centre, Dafydd Hewitt (No 12), in contravention of Law 10.4(j).

The independent Judicial Officer, Roger Morris (Wales), heard submissions from Shingler, the London Irish Head Coach Toby Booth, Team Manager Kieran McCarthy  and ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor, before determining that the tackle was at the mid-range entry point of six (6) weeks.

As a deterrent against the this pattern of offending within the game the Judicial Officer added a further two (2) weeks to the entry point of six (6) weeks, but having taken into account the player’s guilty plea and clear record, he decided on a reduction of four (4) weeks.

Shingler is therefore suspended for four (4) weeks from the date of the match and will be free to play on Monday, 19 December 2011. Both the player and ERC have the right  to appeal the decision.

Law 10.4(j) Dangerous tackle – Lifting a player from the ground and either dropping or driving that player’s head and/or upper body into the ground whilst the player’s feet are off the ground

Under the IRB Recommended Sanctions for Offences Committed within the Playing Enclosure, Law 10.4 (j), carries the following penalties: Lower End: 3 weeks; Mid Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 10+ to 52 weeks

The 25 man squad sees the return from injury of George Naoupu, Eoin Griffin, Miah Nikora with Tongan Fetu’u Vainikolo back from World Cup duties.

Fetu’u starred in Tonga’s warm-up games, scoring a try against Fiji and played a huge role in their narrow loss to Canada in the World Cup. The 26 year old flying winger who was born in Tofoa, scored Tonga’s winning try in their victory over World Cup finalists France.

Eric Elwood will announce the starting XV at mid-day tomorrow .

Extended Connacht squad to face Cardiff Blues:

Forwards:

Rodney Ah You, Ronan Loughney, Dylan Rogers, Brett Wilkinson, Adrian Flavin, Ethienne Reynecke, Michael Swift, Dave Gannon, Mike McCarthy, George Naoupu, John Muldoon, Johnny O’Connor, Ray Ofisa, TJ Anderson.

Backs:

Paul O’Donohoe, Frank Murphy, Matthew Jarvis, Miah Nikora, Niall O’Connor, Tiernan O’Halloran, Brian Tuohy, Henry Fa’afili, Eoin Griffin, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Gavin Duffy

The self styled “Galacticos” of the Welsh regions obviously do not not have enough room for possibly the finest talent of his generation. Or perhaps they don’t have the money. Or maybe they could not satisfy his expectations, nor he theirs. Or maybe just too much water has passed under the bridge for it to be viable. Clearly the loss of James Hook and Leigh Byrne has created an opening as wide as the M4 in the Osprey ranks and Henson would fill the role of fullback, inside centre or utility back better than most. Money is tight in Welsh rugby, but given the absence of Hook and Byrne from the payroll would have allowed enough latitude to have satisfied any money requirements he might have asked for, money doesn’t appear to be the decisive factor. So, that really leaves only the expectations question and effect Henson would have on the camp.

There is no question the manner and timing of Henson’s departure from the Ospreys would have created a certain amount of friction at all levels of the region, from players to management. That added to his seeming fragility would have given the men in charge at the Liberty to think twice about him. What would they get for their money? The potential for long layoffs? Friction between him and the rest of the camp?  Possibly, but they would also get a sublime talent who has the ability to turn matches single-handed. Was it worth the risk? Obviously not.

So, what are Cardiff getting? And why are they getting it?

Henson returned to rugby action in 2011 and was selected in Warren Gatland’s 45-man preliminary World Cup squad. Having impressed in the Wales team training camp in Poland, he started for Wales at inside centre in their 19-9 win over England on 13 August, before suffering a dislocated wrist which ruled him out of the World Cup.

Henson’s stock outside Wales is not as high as he would like and the treatment he got at Sarries was pretty shabby. He was moved around and played in positions that did not suit him, while lesser men plodded along in channels he would rather run in. Equally, at Toulon, he did not get the adoration his self-view demanded and allegedly getting into a scrap with a team mate was probably the last straw. A month after the incidence, in May, Henson was released by Toulon. He has been seeking employment ever since.

As I said earlier, I think the Ospreys took a rain cheque on the opportunity to sign Henson, so he was left with looking at Cardiff, Llanelli or Newport – none of whom seem liked at likely home for him. I think he arrived at Cardiff because of Peter Thomas. Thomas has, in the past, been responsible for surprise signings – Dan Parks being a case in point – and it would not surprise me to find he was the prime mover in this. The only question is how long Henson will last as Blue?

So, what will he bring? We all know Henson can play virtually anywhere in the backs and makes a good fist of standoff-half. Currently, amongst the backs it is pretty safe to assume that Laulala and Roberts aren’t going to step aside for Henson, so that effectively rules out centre, let alone his preferred position of inside centre. Also, with the return of Leigh Halfpenny to his preferred position of fullback for Wales and the return to form of Chris Czekaj in the wing or full back role, plus James on the other wing, not to mention the up and coming Fish at full back, the Blues are pretty well catered for in the back three. So, in truth, the only real opportunity for him lies at number 10.

Henson has always expressed a preference for that position. Now whether that is because he plays better there than anywhere else, or because of the special standing of the role in Welsh rugby is a moot point. Whatever the case might be, he is up against Dan Parks and Ceri Sweeney (who I’ve been told has some history with Henson). Sweeney has played well recently and although he is largely a figure of the past, he is a good back up to the main ten in the Cardiff squad. Dan Parks, on the other hand, has been dreadful throughout his stay at Cardiff. At least in the view of the fans anyway. Although to be fair he has averaged 11.6 points per game since joining the Blues.  His deal runs out in August 2012 and I don’t think it will be renewed.

So, I suspect Henson might be seen as a long term replacement for Parks at Fly-half, although he has only signed an eight month deal. This will satisfy Henson, the region, the WRU and the fans, who despite Henson’s problems still worship him, although some of the more cynical voices will quickly be crying “All the time” if he starts making mistakes.

Speaking at the Cardiff City Stadium, Henson said: "I’ve been saying I wanted to play back in Wales and I’m glad of the opportunity that Cardiff Blues have given me."

"I just want to do everything I can to make them happy and enjoy my rugby. I’m glad I’ve signed here."

"There’s been huge rivalry between the Blues and the Ospreys over the years, and I’ve been part of that, so to leave and join the Blues is a bit strange."

"I’m sure when I meet up with all the boys it will be fine as I know most of them. When I do run out for my first game for the Blues, I will be Blues through and through."

"It’s my first time at the stadium and the facilities I’ve seen at the Blues, from the training facility to the stadium, are incredible. It’s a very exciting time for me."

Henson, who had spells with Saracens and Toulon last season, has signed an 8 month contract with the Blues ahead of Thursday’s Heineken Cup squad deadline. Speaking of his injury, Henson added,

"The wrist is coming along alright. Obviously it was a nightmare injury for me, but I’m two weeks out of plaster now, so maybe a couple of weeks before I’m back on the pitch."

"It was nightmare timing getting that injury just before the World Cup, but these things happen."

"It’s pretty tough mentally now, but it’s healed and getting stronger, so I’m just looking forward to playing for my new club, The Blues."

"Going into the England game for Wales, I was feeling great physically. I’d done a lot of work with Wales and a lot of training, so I’ve tried to maintain that as best as I can, but some things are difficult because I was in plaster."

"I hope over the next few weeks now that the plaster is off that I will do other conditioning. I’m dying for the first opportunity with the Blues."

"The Blues have always had a great squad and there’s no change there with all the youngsters that they have."

"They are strong at centre and strong at outside half, so it’s up to the coaches where they want me to play. We will have to wait and see."

Yes, Gav we will.

I just hope it doesn’t all end in tears, because the avenues of escape are slowly closing everywhere. Sooner or later he is going to have to settle down and play out his career. Either that or end up on the Reality Show merry-go-round until they lose interest, which will not be long anyway. In February, Henson will be 30, so the chances of him playing in the next Rugby World Cup are slim at best. The sands of time are running out for Henson, so this really is his last chance. He will never fulfil the potential he exhibited as a youngster, but he can become a star of regional rugby again. For Gavin Henson that had better be enough.

Fresh from his World Cup exploits down under, Scotland international Euan Murray starts in the front row while giant lock Andrew van der Heijden gets the nod in the engine room.

Goal-kicking sensation Jimmy Gopperth will don the familiar No. 10 jersey with fellow Kiwi Jeremy Manning returning to the back division following a lengthy spell on the sideline.

Manning will form a mouth-watering centre combination with new South African signing Corne Uys as head coach Alan Tait eyes successive victories on home soil.

Tait makes seven further changes to the side that went down fighting at Saracens in the Aviva Premiership last week.

Rikki Sheriffe and Luke Eves occupy both wings while Jordi Pasqualin, an LV= Cup winner with Gloucester last term is handed a chance to impress at scrum-half.

In the front-row Darren Fearn and Michael Mayhew partner Murray while last season’s Academy Player of the Season Mark Wilson comes in for Richard Mayhew at flanker.

Murray’s tantalising inclusion in the Falcons starting XV is real positive sign of intent by the Falcons, who were beaten finalists last time out.

Falcons boss Tait said: “He is one of the best scrummagers in the world, and Mickey Ward has got a smile on his face as front-row coach because he knows like me that great players make a great difference.

“I am expecting the scrum to be a solid base for us to attack from, and Euan will be a key part of that.”

Newcastle kick-started their domestic campaign with a hard-fought triumph over London Wasps a fortnight ago, a result which has revitalised the side according to Tait.

“We are starting to click, we still have players to come into the team and I am really excited with how we can kick-on,” said Tait.

“I have always said that I am keen to get a Newcastle Falcons style of rugby, so that everybody knows when the Falcons turn up they are going to get a certain type of game.

“Against Leicester and Exeter we put on some good stuff, and even last weekend against Saracens – who are the best team in the country – I was thrilled with how we played at times,” he added.

Newcastle: Goosen, Sheriffe, Uys, Manning, Eves, Gopperth, Pasqualin, Fearn, M. Mayhew, Murray, Townson, van der Heijden, Wilson, Pennycook, Hogg.

Replacements: Graham, Wells, Hall, Swinson, Welch, Chudley, Helleur, Hodgson