Tito: Leading Blues' charge again

Cardiff Blues

- 2009/10 Season Preview -

Last season: They finished fifth last time out, but Cardiff's domestic form has been one of the great mysteries in recent seasons in the Magners League. They have often shone in Europe - even winning the Amlin Challenge Cup last season (the first Welsh team to win a European trophy) - however, they have not been able to match that form in the league.

This season: Cardiff's tendency to be slow starters has been a real concern in the past, and coach Dai Young will be hoping he has managed to address this problem. Plus, the arrival of Dan Parks from Glasgow and Michael Paterson from the Hurricanes could well prove the difference between the Blues enduring another frustrating season and finally becoming serious title challengers.

Coach: Dai Young will again take charge of Cardiff Blues. Having guided his team to the Amlin Challenge Cup title, he has silenced some harsh criticism in Wales, and has slowly moulded a formidable squad in that time. He has stayed loyal to the club he served so well as a player, but one feels this year will be his biggest yet.

Captain: Lock Paul Tito will be Blues' captain again for the forthcoming season. Tito was first appointed skipper in August 2008, taking over from fellow New Zealander Xavier Rush and has a wealth of captaincy experience, having previously captained the Hurricanes, New Zealand U21 and has also led the New Zealand Maoris to victory in the 2006 Churchill Cup.

One to watch: Young has looked to solve the issues over the number ten jersey - following Sam Norton-Knight's ill-fated spell at the club - by signing the free-scoring Dan Parks. The Scotland international was the leading points scorer last season and has what it takes to make this team go far.

In: Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors), Michael Paterson (Hurricanes), Tom Brown (London Welsh), Bryn Griffiths (Doncaster) Tom Davies (Doncaster)

Out: Scott Morgan (Dragons), Dai Flanagan (Ospreys), Darren Allinson (London Irish), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Dragons), Sam Norton-Knight (Sanyo Wild Knights), Andy Powell (London Wasps), Billy Millard - Backs Coach (Retired)

Home ground: Cardiff City Stadium (26,828)

Travel connections: The stadium and surrounding area is served by Ninian Park railway station (on the Cardiff City Line) on one side of Sloper Road, by and Grangetown railway station (on the Vale of Glamorgan Line) on the other side. Trains operate frequently to Central and Queen Street stations in the city centre. Cardiff Bus service 95 between Central Station and Barry Island stops outside the stadium. The stadium is next to Leckwith Interchange on the A4232 dual carriageway, linking it northbound to the A48 and M4 (J33 Cardiff West) and southbound to Cardiff Bay and the city centre.