Young can't wait for kick off

Cardiff Blues take on European giants Leicester Tigers this Friday, 7.30pm kick off, and David Young and his players can't wait for the first kick of the new season.

"The stadium has been talked about for a long time, from design to its building. Even the biggest critics and biggest doubters about the move only have to come to have a look to be impressed. "

"From a playing point of view there are fantastic medical facilities and changing rooms and an excellent surface to play open rugby. It's a superb arena and the players and coaches are very excited about playing our first game here."

With the British and Irish Lions touring South Africa and Wales touring North America, Young had to adapt his pre season preparations somewhat, but all seems to be well ahead of the first match. However, with injuries to Tom Shanklin, Tom James, Gethin Jenkins, Martyn Williams and new arrival Sam Norton Knight picking up a knock that will see him miss the two friendly games, Young has a chance to play some new combinations.

"This summer has been no different from any other with players coming back at different times after various tours, so we had to juggle phases of pre season training."

"However, over the last few weeks things have come together well with all the players doing the same type of training and most will play some part in our two friendly matches."

"We've had a lot of injuries in our backline, more than anywhere else, so we've been juggling things there. We are no different to any other team, it's a physical game, and players had to have operations in the off season to repair any injuries.

"I think the friendly games are important to us. We were determined to have two very strong matches as that gives us a true reflection of where we are."

"If things aren't quite right it gives us a bit of time to work on those aspects."

Tickets for the matches against the Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints are now on sale priced at £10 for adults and £5 for juniors,

To purchase your tickets call the stadium ticket line on 0845 345 1400 or buy online at www.cardiffblues.com/tickets

To make it as easy as possible for supporters who will be travelling to the match by bus or train the Cardiff Blues have teamed up with Cardiff Bus to run the Cardiff City Stadium Bus on match days.

The following times have been confirmed for the matches against Leicester Tigers (Friday 21 August 7.30pm kick off) and Northampton Saints (Friday 28 August 7.30pm kick off)

Departing:
Westgate Street - Opposite WRU Shop - 5.30pm
Cardiff Central Bus Station - Rear Car Park - 5.35pm

Then every 10 minutes with a final journey at 7.20pm. The bus will return the same route after final whistle

The bus is free for season ticket holders and £2 for non season ticket holders.