Earlier in the month Blues, Wales and Lions star Jamie Roberts visited St Albans RFC to help out with the coaching for the mini and junior section.

Jamie helped put the youngsters through their paces with some drills and tackling practice before they all joined in for a game of TAG rugby.

Speaking of the visit, Dionne Irwin of St Albans RFC said,

"On behalf of St Albans RFC mini and junior section, I'd just like to say a big thank you to the Blues and Jamie for taking time out to train with the boys."

"They had been looking forward to it for so long and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves."

"It was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to meet one of their idols and to participate in the game we all love so much."

"He was absolutely fabulous with the youngsters from the under 8's, 9's and 13's and we would welcome him back at our club anytime."

The Cardiff Blues Adopt a Player scheme allows each club within the Blues region to adopt a player for their mini and junior sections who are then available to attend mini or junior section events such as; presentation evenings, coaching sessions, or other club events involving the mini or junior section.

Speaking on the night, Jamie said, "St Albans is a great rugby club and they all made me feel really welcome."

"It was great fun doing the drills with the youngsters and it's nice to be able to give something back."

"Grass roots rugby is crucial for the development of the game in Wales and hopefully the youngsters will continue to enjoy playing rugby, which is what it's all about at this age."

Fellow Blues, Wales and Lions star Gethin Jenkins attended Abercynon RFC on Sunday the 18th of April, to present the medals and trophies to the youngsters who took part in the Minis Tournament.

Speaking of the event, Gethin said, "It's great to see so many kids enjoy playing rugby and I'd like to congratulate everyone who took part today in what was a fantastic tournament."

"The volunteers who help run the junior and mini sections in the clubs around the region do a fantastic job and the main thing is for the children to enjoy playing
rugby."
Tracy Landeg, Secretary of Abercynon RFC Mini and Junior Section said,
"Everyone taking part in the tournament was very excited when they knew that Gethin Jenkins had agreed to come and present the medals and trophies to all the children involved."
"Gethin also signed autographs and had photos taken with a few of the teams and individual children."
"Abercynon RFC are keen supporters of the Blues and in return we are grateful for the support the Blues give to the club."
"A very successful day was had by all and the glorious sunshine helped."
Back in Cardiff, Chris Czekaj visited Canton Rugby Club and their community day a great success.
Jason Barnett, Canton RFC Chairman said, "Chris was superb, the weather was kind and we had twelve new children turn up for our different age groups."
"Chris attended and was a great ambassador for Cardiff Blues, taking part in several skills sessions and a 15-minute Q&A session with the children."
"He also signed autographs, had photos taken with the kids and was very approachable."
New Cardiff Blues recruit, Andries Pretorius, had a warm welcome in Ynysowen Mini and Junior Section for their 4th annual presentation ceremony.

"Andries arrived early, and was superb with the adults and children alike," said
Chris Lee, Vice Chair of Ynysowen Mini and Junior section.

"Nothing was too much trouble for him, although I suspect his jaw will ache after smiling in countless photograph poses!"

"He represented his profession and The Blues impeccably and we look forward to him becoming a "fully fledged" Welshman next year."