Cardiff Rugby

Cardiff Rugby are one of the most successful rugby clubs in Wales, boasting a proud tradition and history that arguably makes them among the most famous rugby clubs in the world.

Founded in 1876, the club has been a cornerstone of Welsh rugby for nearly 150 years, playing a key role in the development of the sport at both club and international levels.

The old Cardiff club transitioned into the regional era in 2003, becoming one of the five original professional Welsh regions under the name, Cardiff Blues. 

In 2021, they reverted to Cardiff Rugby to better reflect their proud history and identity.

The club was owned by majority shareholders, Helford Capital, led by businessmen Phil Kempe and Neal Griffith, who took over after the death of the club’s long-time backer, Peter Thomas.

But in April 2025 the club went into administration with mounting debts, leading to the Welsh Rugby Union to move in and take control.

Cardiff Rugby currently compete in the United Rugby Championship (URC), facing teams from Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa. 

They also regularly compete in European tournaments, having a strong pedigree in both the Heineken Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup.

Their most notable European achievements include winning the European Challenge Cup twice, in 2010 and 2018. 

The 2010 final saw Cardiff defeat Toulon 28-21, with a standout performance from Leigh Halfpenny and a man-of-the-match display from Xavier Rush. 

Their 2018 triumph came in dramatic fashion as they edged out Gloucester 31-30 in Bilbao, thanks to a last-minute penalty from Gareth Anscombe.

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Cardiff play their home matches at Cardiff Arms Park, an iconic rugby venue situated in the heart of the Welsh capital. 

Apart from a brief spell spent playing at the Cardiff City Stadium, the Arms Park has been their base since the late 19th century and remains one of the most atmospheric grounds in Welsh rugby.

Throughout their history, Cardiff has been home to some of Wales’ greatest players, including Bleddyn Williams, Jack Matthews, Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Gerald Davies, Terry Holmes, Gareth Davies, Martyn Williams, Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts, Gethin Jenkins, and Leigh Halfpenny.

Many of these players have also captained Wales and the British & Irish Lions, further cementing Cardiff's legacy in the sport.

The club also welcomed international stars, with players such as Jonah Lomu, Xavier Rush, and Paul Tito making a significant impact during their time in Cardiff colours.

Cardiff’s history is filled with highs and lows. In the amateur era, they were one of the most dominant clubs in Wales, winning domestic cups and regularly playing touring teams from around the world, famously defeating New Zealand 8-3 at Cardiff Arms Park in 1953—a victory still celebrated by the club’s supporters.

In the national team’s golden era of the 1970s, the Arms Park - where Edwards, John and Gerald Davies were in their pomp - was a magnet for rugby followers the world over.

The transition to the professional era brought both challenges and successes. The club struggled financially at times but managed to maintain their competitive edge, securing domestic and European titles while continuing to develop top-level talent.

Recent seasons have been a mix of rebuilding and ambition, as Cardiff look to re-establish themselves as one of the leading sides in Welsh rugby.

They have been unable to match the titles won by rivals the Ospreys and Scarlets in the post 2003 regional era, but have focused on integrating young Welsh talent from their academy while making strategic signings to remain competitive in the URC and European competitions.

They also have a reputation for some modern and progressive coaches in the professional era - from Alex Evans to Terry Holmes, Dai Young, Danny Wilson and current head coach Matt Sherratt, who was released to coach Wales on an interim basis during the 2025 Six Nations.

The club's major rivals include the Dragons - a follow-on from the historic club rivalry between Cardiff and Newport - the Scarlets and the Ospreys, with the Welsh derbies always generating intense competition and high attendance figures.

Despite facing financial constraints and squad turnover, Cardiff continue to aim for success on both the domestic and European fronts. 

The club remains a vital part of the rugby landscape in Wales, with a passionate fan base and a commitment to upholding their rich history.