Posted by Cardiff Blues have signed Welsh-qualified number eight Sam Moore from the Sale Sharks, and he is available right away.
The 21-year-old returns to Cardiff having been born here while his father Steve played for Cardiff RFC at the turn of the century, playing 50 times between 1998 and 2001 before spending the later years of his career in England and France.
After attending Sedbergh School in the North-East he joined the Sale Sharks Academy where he progressed through the ranks alongside playing at U16, U17, U18 and U20 level for England, although he retains his Welsh eligibility.
In total he has played eight times for Sale across the last three seasons, making his debut in the European Challenge Cup against Lyon in October 2017, struggling with his fitness but still signing a long-term deal at the AJ Bell Stadium and being called up to train with the England senior squad.
At 6ft6 and nearly 18 stone the number eight is a strong ball carrier and will no doubt come into the reckoning for the Wales squad at some point but for now will help Cardiff Blues with the play-off push.
Speaking to the Cardiff Blues official website, Moore said, “I’m really pleased to be joining Cardiff Blues. I have been really impressed by the vision they presented to me, what they are currently developing and their long-term plans for success.
“Having met Richard Holland and Alun Jones, spoken at length to the coaches at both the Blues and Wales, I am convinced this is the best place for me to progress my career.
“I am eternally grateful to Sale Sharks, who gave me my first opportunity. I have been in their system since I was 14 and have a huge amount of friends there. I wish them the very best for the future.
“But I was born in Cardiff and my Dad played here in the 90s so it is a place that is close to my heart and I cannot wait to get started at the Arms Park.
“While I grew up in England and came through the system there, I view myself as a Welshman and it would be great to reach the same heights as my dad and uncle but I am well aware that it all starts with the Blues and that is my sole focus.
“There is already a lot of competition in the back-row with the likes of Josh Navidi, Ellis Jenkins, Nick Williams, Will Boyde and Olly Robinson to name just a few. I am just looking forward to getting back on the pitch, showing what I can do and contributing to this exciting team.”
Cardiff Rugby Life 