Wales hope motivated Mitchell move

Editor

Cardiff Blues prop Craig Mitchell believes he still has a role to play with Wales in the future after signing with the Welsh region.

Cardiff Blues prop Craig Mitchell believes he still has a role to play with Wales in the future after signing with the Welsh region.

Mitchell has joined the Blues after three years in the Aviva Premiership with Exeter Chiefs, with the 28-year-old only making 24 appearances in that time.

A litany of severe injuries curtailed Mitchell's progress over the border, but he has now returned to the Pro12 where he spent six years with the Ospreys between 2005-2011.

Mitchell admits that playing for his country again was a huge lure when it came to moving home. He has won 15 caps for Wales since making his debut in 2009.

“Wanting to play international rugby again was certainly was part of my thinking in coming back home,” Mitchell told Wales Online.

“I have always said: 'who would turn down Wales?'.

“I want to get a bit of form back into my game and hopefully if I am playing well enough that should come.

“I'm 28 now and I hope these next few years could be my best.”

Mitchell conceded that the number of injuries he sustained over the last few years had taken a psychological blow, but he refuses to be deterred by his bad luck and has taken heart from avoiding any further knocks during pre-season.

“I have been pretty unlucky with injuries. It's been a bit difficult to take,” added Mitchell.

“From bicep to pec to shoulder, you name it, I've done it.

“But I try not to dwell on it. It's one of those things. It's out of my way now and at the back of mind.

“It's a big positive that I have been able to stay injury free throughout pre-season. I'm feeling as fit as I did when I was playing for Wales.

“It's been my first proper pre-season in about three or four years and I'm feeling good.”