Having made his competitive debut for the Blues against Heineken Cup champions Leinster in March 2010, Lloyd Williams started the 2010/11 season strongly before a shoulder injury put him out of action for most of the winter.

Speaking of last season Lloyd said,

"I was just happy at the start of the season to be playing regular rugby. Gareth Cooper left early on so I learnt a lot from Richie Rees who went through moves with me at training."

"I obviously had a shoulder operation so missed a large chunk of the season but there was healthy competition between me, Richie and Rhys Downes when we were all fit."

"We've got a lot of good youngsters in the squad and I've certainly benefited from coming through the Blues Academy system and I'm sure we will see a lot more youngsters coming through this year."

With Lloyd having graduated from the Blues Academy last season he will be joined in the senior side this year by two up and coming players: Kristian Dacey and Dan Fish.

Fish made his debut for the Blues against Aironi in October and shone at full back, going on to make 12 appearances for the Blues, while Dacey made his debut against Connacht in September.

The Blues have also offered contracts to the young players who shone for the region during last season's LV=Cup campaign. Rhys Downes, Sam Hobbs, Thomas Young, Cory Hill, Owen Williams and Macauley Cook having all signed new contracts with the Blues as they look to build for the future. The Blues have also signed Cardiff RFC outside half Gareth Davies.

Speaking of the new contracts Cardiff Blues forwards coach Justin Burnell said, "We're quite lucky that we have quality people in our development structure and very good Premiership clubs that are part of developing players."

"It's important that we bring them through at the right time and at the right pace."

"I think we have about 10 to 12 top draw Welsh players who are at the very height of their game for their age."

"Some of them have had limited exposure with the Blues because they have been on a two year development plans, so it's important that we see them feature next year. The season after that they will be very much part of the Blues squad and that has always been the plan."

Lloyd Williams, who is a product of the Blues Academy, has been selected on the bench for Wales as they face Argentina this Saturday.

"It was initially a shock be called up to the Welsh squad and I was happy just to be training with the boys in the first camp in Poland, which was a great experience."

"It was gruelling and we were all taken by surprise at how hard it was out there, but it's good to get that conditioning under belt."

"I was happy with the results I had. Everyone gave it their all, it was tough, but we just got on with it. The rugby camp was just as intense because we had fitness on top of it but it was enjoyable none the less."

"I'm delighted to be in the 22 against Argentina and hopefully I can win my first cap coming off the bench. To play for Wales in the Millennium Stadium would be something special."

"My immediate goal is obviously to get to the World Cup but for the Blues I just want to get back to that competitive battle and try to put that Number 9 jersey on a few more times, so I'm looking forward to getting back with the Blues also."

"The competition does spur you on, but it's good to have people who can help you also and Richie is really good at that to be fair. He's got a lot of experience and I'm learning from him and it's the same with Mike up at the Welsh camp."

"I set my personal goals. Everyone I've spoken to said they are looking forward to the new season with the Blues so hopefully it will be a successful one."