Pro12 side Cardiff Blues is to be "handed back to the Welsh Rugby Union," which will "take over responsibility for the region from July 1," according to Simon Thomas of WALES ONLINE. The WRU will "assume a babysitting role" while the Blues board focuses on the "proposed redevelopment of the Arms Park and the construction of a new multi-purpose covered arena." It "remains to be seen whether the takeover will be a temporary or a permanent arrangement." Club Chair Peter Thomas said, "It's almost 50 years since we moved into where we are today and the Arms Park is in urgent need of redevelopment. We want to put a multi-purpose sporting arena there which will be a facility for the future generations. To get to where we need to be is going to take a lot of money, a lot of investment, a lot of time and a lot of commitment." As for the timescale for the WRU takeover, Thomas said, "It's agreed in principal that it will begin on July 1. We now have to work through the detail. All the staff are aware of the direction we are taking. They are all supportive and understanding of it, as is the Union" (WALES ONLINE, 5/9).
