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Cardiff's latest financial headache could result in a winding-up petition

Arms Park is used by Cardiff Blues on a rental basis, but they have fallen into arrears on payments (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Under-achieving Cardiff Blues have been given their latest headache – the threat of facing a winding-up petition if they fail to pay outstanding rent for their use of the Arms Park. 

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The Blues are only tenants at the ground adjacent to the Principality Stadium and they have been issued with a statutory demand by the Arms Park’s landlord, Cardiff Athletic Club (CAC), to either pay the debt or reach an agreement to pay within 21 days.

Failure to keep up with payments is apparently nothing new for the Guinness PRO14 rugby club who failed to qualify for the league play-offs and didn’t secure qualification for next season’ Heineken Champions Cup. But the existing debt is now reported to be in the region of £140,000. 

“We were assured by Cardiff Blues that a financial package had been arranged which would guarantee settlement of all arrears before the end of June,” read a statement issued by Cardiff Athletic Club. “As a result of this reassurance, the legal proceedings were put on hold.

“Cardiff Athletic Club recognises the tough financial environment for regional rugby in Wales and has made every effort to work with Cardiff Blues Ltd to clear the outstanding arrears.

“However, Cardiff Athletic Club management committee has a duty to all five (bowls, rugby, hockey, cricket and tennis) of its sections. The absence of any rental payments for such a substantial period has impacted on the operations for all sections of the club.

“Having exhausted all areas of negotiation and being able to settle this matter amicably, Cardiff Athletic Club has therefore issued a statutory demand in respect of all outstanding debts to protect the interests of our members.”

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Cardiff revealed in February 2018 that they were considering a move away from the Arms Park as a new lease had not yet been negotiated with the CAC beyond its 2022 expiry date. In an effort to cut costs, though, the Blues announced some weeks ago that Arms Park will be their training base for the 2019/20 season and not the Vale of Glamorgan hotel.

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TI 1 hour ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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