Welsh Rugby
Cardiff Blues return to the Arms Park
ESPNscrum Staff
May 8, 2012
Wales U20 coach and former Wales skipper Phil Davies during his time as Leeds coach, January 22 2006
Phil Davies is the Blues' new director of rugby © Getty Images
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Teams: Cardiff Blues | Wales

The Cardiff Blues will return to the Cardiff Arms Park for the 2012-13 season.

The Blues moved to the Cardiff City Stadium in the summer of 2009 but returned to their spiritual home for two matches this term - against Ulster and Connacht. Supporters of the side have since called for a permanent return to the Arms Park and following discussions with various stakeholders, the Blues' CEO Richard Holland has negotiated a release from their deal with the City Stadium.

With the region experiencing falling attendances, Holland is hopeful that under new director of rugby Phil Davies, the crowds will return and with it future success.

"We are putting regional rugby back in the heart of Cardiff," Thomas said. "This move is important for our future sustainability, important to our supporters, and good for Cardiff Blues."

"We will still have the option of playing games at the Cardiff City stadium when demand for tickets dictates. So we look forward to seeing them again in the future and wish them the best of luck for the coming football season.

"We will be investing in improved facilities at the Arms Park over the summer, and Phil Davies our new director of rugby has already taken the reins of the rugby department. These are exciting times for Cardiff Blues."

The chief executive of Cardiff City - who shared the ground with the Blues - Alan Whiteley spoke of the decision saying: "This is a decision that will allow Cardiff City Football Club to take positive steps forward in terms of celebrating the stadium as the sole home of the football club, while also assisting Cardiff Blues to maintain their future stability.

"Satisfactory financial terms have been reached with the Cardiff Blues to allow their exit, which coupled with the Premier League aspirations of this football club and a need therefore to be in sole control of our stadium, makes this a good solution for both sides."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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