Rees to join Blues in summer

Former Wales captain, hooker Matthew Rees, is set to join Cardiff Blues from Llanelli Scarlets in the summer after agreeing a two-year contract.

The 57-times capped Welshman has captained his country on eight occasions, and will leave Parc y Scarlets after nine years with the region.

“Leaving the Scarlets has been a tough decision to make after being there for so many years,” said the 32-year-old Tonyrefail native. “[That] is where I established myself as a player, however I feel that this is the right decision at this point in my career.

“From working with Phil [Davies, Cardiff Blues coach] in the past, I know he is a very organised coach, and knows how to get the best out of players. I am looking forward to working with him again.

“So far this season, I have been really impressed with the young players that Phil has brought through and now with some key signings to strengthen the squad, I’m sure there will be more success to come from the team, which with my experience I hope to contribute to.”

Rees played in all three of the British Lions tests in South Africa in 2009, and formed part of the famous all-Welsh front row alongside Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones.

He missed the 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign through injury, and has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth at Llanelli since, so has decided to move on to pastures new.

Scarlets coach Simon Easterby wished Rees well for the future, saying: “Matthew has contributed a great deal to the region during his years with us; he has set high standards, made a mark for others to aspire to and been a strong mentor for a number of our younger forwards in recent years, pushing their development forward.

“We respect Matthew's reasons for moving to a new region and wish him all the very best with the Cardiff Blues.

“He leaves with our sincere thanks, gratitude as a region and respect for all he has done and achieved in a Scarlets shirt. He has been a key part of our team.”

Further bad news for Scarlets comes in the form of centre Rhodri Gomer-Davies announcing his retirement after failing to overcome a knee injury.

But fans will be buoyed, though, by the news that hooker Emyr Phillips and prop Phil John have signed new contracts with the region.