Cardiff Blues chasing Du Preez

Cardiff Blues are understood to be in talks with South African World Cup winner Fourie du Preez.

Cardiff Blues are understood to be in talks with South African World Cup winner Fourie du Preez.

The 26-year-old scrum-half is currently stalling on signing a new contract with the South African Rugby Union amid rumours he has fallen out with new coach Peter De Villiers.

And now it is believed that the Arms Park club have opened talks with the 38-times capped player, who, on the back of a fine World Cup, is now believed to be one of the world's best number nines.

However when pressed on the matter Blues Director of Rugby Dai Young was not prepared to divulge further details.

“We are looking at our options and we have spoken to people,” was all Young would say on the subject.

Any deal will have to take into account the six non-Welsh qualified player quota agreed with the Welsh Rugby Union.

At present the Blues have a full quota of non-Welsh qualified players. The New Zealand quartet of Xavier Rush, Ben Blair, Paul Tito and Jason Spice are joined by Maama Molitika and Taufa'ao Filise.