Rush relishing Quins battle

After successfully being passed fit to play in today's Heineken Cup clash against Harlequins at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff Blues Number 8 Xavier Rush says he can't wait for the campaign to kick off.

"My ring finger is ok now. It still has 15 stitches in it but I have the required movement in it enabling me to play thanks to Andy Logan the surgeon. We were both amazed at how quickly the movement has come back," said Rush.

"It really shouldn't have healed so soon but I'm obviously rapped that it has and can't wait to play."

"The Heineken Cup is the premier competition in Europe and the one that everybody wants to excel in. Last year we had a good campaign and we want to try to replicate that this season."

"I think we should have a big crowd and we want to make it a day where everybody comes and enjoys the match, and then want to come back to watch more rugby here. It's crucial for us to perform and get the win."

"I've played quite a few games with Nick Evans whose a very talented fly half and it's a pity for him that he had Dan Carter ahead of him otherwise he would have had a lot more matches for the All Blacks,"

"He certainly runs things well for the Quins and is the linchpin in the backline. He sets people up or can go himself and reads the game really well. He also has a great kicking game. He's probably one of the top fly halves in Europe."

"Both Nick Easter and Ugo Monye are big players for Harlequins so I'm sure they will be missing them. It's a bit disappointing that they are not playing and I was personally looking forward to playing against Nick as he's the incumbent Number 8 for England. So it's a shame but I'm sure they have guys who have been waiting in the wings who are hungry to play."

Tickets for this year's competition are available now starting at only £20 for unreserved seats and £40 for family tickets (two adults two juniors) in the Family Stand.

Tickets are available online on www.cardiffblues.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office eon 0845 345 1400
Xavier was wearing the new Heineken Cup kit that the players will be wearing for the first time on Saturday. The kit was manufactured by Canterbury of New Zealand who have once again firmly established their position within the rugby world as they re-sign the Cardiff Blues.

The 3-year deal highlights the long-standing association between both parties, which was first established back in 2004.

The announcement is exciting news for supporters, with a new, limited edition, Heineken Cup shirt unveiled at the Harlequins match season to celebrate the Blues' move to the new stadium and the continuation of the partnership with Canterbury.

Chris Stephenson, Chief Executive of Canterbury stated;

"We are delighted to maintain our solid working relationship with Cardiff Blues and feel that this union further re-enforces the fact that we are the leading global rugby brand. Having operated closely with Cardiff Blues over the last 5 years, we understand their requirements and having seen the new facilities in Cardiff we are positive that both brands can prosper from this association.

"It has been a very difficult couple of months at Canterbury of New Zealand but following the acquisition by JD Sports Fashion Plc we are looking forward to a great future. I would like to personally thank the management of Cardiff Blues for their patience, understanding and belief in Canterbury".

Cardiff Chief Executive, Robert Norster speaking on the news added;

"Cardiff Blues and Canterbury are brands that fit together exceptionally well and we are also delighted to re-establish our relationship following the recent changes. We look forward to working with Chris and his staff in continuing to bring innovative, quality products to our growing sector of the rugby marketplace".

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