Consistency the key for new Cardiff chief Fowler

CARDIFF’S new director of rugby Martyn Fowler has pinpointed consistency as the key to a successful 2012/13 season after consecutive mediocre campaigns in the Principality Welsh Premiership.

The Blue & Blacks used more than 60 players last season as they limped to ninth place in the table for the second year in a row – they used just 28 under Phil Davies when winning the title in 2009.

Fowler has moved quickly to bring fresh talent to the Arms Park and has discussed the club’s future with Davies, now director of rugby at Cardiff Blues.

Former Merthyr coach Fowler has installed Shaun Powell as the new club captain, making a point of naming a player who is contracted to Cardiff rather than someone on permit from the Blues.

He also knows that the performances over the last couple of seasons haven’t been acceptable but is confident that with the addition of several new faces to the squad, an upturn in fortunes might be just around the corner.

“By anyone’s standards the club and its players underachieved over the last two seasons, finishing a disappointing ninth in consecutive years, league positions that are unacceptable given Cardiff RFC’s proud history,” he said.

“Me, the coaching team, the committee and new club captain Shaun Powell are all relishing the challenge and are fully committed to improve the club’s league position over the next two seasons.

“It is ironic, and for me a very positive omen, that the last time Cardiff won the Premiership title Phil Davies was at the helm. Now director of rugby at Cardiff Blues, Phil is hugely supportive of Cardiff RFC and has made it clear that he expects a marked improvement in performances and league standing.”

On his meetings with Davies about what was vital to that last league title success, Fowler added: “The one thing that I took away from the discussion was that the Cardiff side, once winning, was never changed. It is hoped we can enjoy the same level of much-needed continuity this coming season.

“Last season over 66 players were selected giving the squad and coaches no chance of obtaining any level of continuity. The last time Cardiff won the league only 28 players were used all season.”

Fowler has been running the rule over the new recruits, including ball-carrying No 8 Adam Brake (Llanelli), wing Steve Cullen (Bridgend), second row James Murphy and hooker Aaron Fowler (both Bedwas).

Unfortunately, wing Jamie Davies (Neath) was injured playing for the Welsh Crawshays in France but he, centre Max Woodward (Pontypool) and former Cardiff favourite Dan Franks will be getting involved at some point.