Thomas wants silverware for the Blues

Cardiff Blues chairman, and financial backer, Peter Thomas is hoping his side can sign off from the Arms Park with their first trophy in eight years.

Cardiff Blues chairman and financial backer Peter Thomas is hoping his side can sign off from the Arms Park with their first trophy in eight years.

Having crashed out of the Heineken Cup last weekend, and with no chance of catching runaway Magners League leaders Leinster, it seems that next year will be the region's last chance of silverware whilst at the Arms Park.

If plans go according to schedule then the Blues will share a new stadium with Cardiff City FC from the start of the 2009-10 season. And Thomas wants their last campaign, next season, to be a successful one as they go in hunt of their first trophy, as either Cardiff RFC or Cardiff Blues, in eight years.

“It would be wonderful if we could commemorate our final season at the Arms Park with a trophy,” Thomas told The Western Mail.

“It is disappointing not to have won anything because everyone involved with the region wants to succeed in every competition we play.

“The closest we have come was second in the Magners League last season, where we lost out by one point to the Ospreys.

“But what we have got is a more settled and professional side than we have had in recent years. We are not up there with the very best at the moment but we are working towards it.”

And Thomas believes a title success would be just reward for Director of Rugby Dai Young.

“It would be good for him to win some silverware to reward him for his hard work,” said Thomas.

“There has been huge criticism over the years about the lack of silverware and pressure has been put on me as the chairman to replace the coach.

“But I have never considered that and we are so fortunate to have someone like David, who gives everything to the region.

“He might not have won a title yet, but we are so lucky to have him.

“Nobody works harder than him on and off the field and he is an immense person.”