Cardiff Blues are today delighted to announce the major signing of Super Rugby superstar Gareth Anscombe from current champions Waikato Chiefs on a long-term deal.
Anscombe, who can play fly half or full back, will make the move to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park this summer and join the exciting new-look squad under the guidance of new Director of Rugby Mark Hammett.
Highly-rated back Anscombe, who qualifies for Wales through his mother, has been a star performer in New Zealand and scored an impressive 268 points in his Super Rugby career.
The 23-year-old guided New Zealand Under-20s to the Junior World Championship three years ago and his eye-catching performances were vital in the Chiefs landing the title in 2013.
Anscombe will join the Cardiff Blues later this year following the completion of his ITM Cup commitments with Auckland.
Richard Holland, Chief Executive of Cardiff Blues, hailed the news that Anscombe has signed a contract with the region as a huge statement of intent for the future.
“We are absolutely delighted that Gareth has decided to join the Cardiff Blues family. I’m sure supporters right across Welsh rugby will be extremely excited about his arrival,” he said.
“Gareth is a fantastically talented player, a true winner, after securing successive title with the Chiefs, and also a very driven and ambitious young man.
“I first met him in October last year and was immediately impressed by his attitude. He has since been to Cardiff to have a close look at the region and is now very keen to move here and get started.
“When Mark Hammett was appointed as our new Director of Rugby we spoke about potential signings and Gareth was always top of that list. Hammer was extremely keen to bring him over and now we have concluded that deal after months of negotiations.
“Gareth’s signing is an absolutely crucial one for Cardiff Blues, especially following the departure of Leigh Halfpenny, and it shows our absolute intention to strengthen and bring world class players to our region.
Gareth Anscombe said: “My decision to leave New Zealand has been a tough one. I have loved every minute of career here in NZ and would like to say a special thanks to the Chiefs and Auckland Rugby for everything they have done for me.
“However, in consultation with my family, I came to the conclusion that the opportunity in Wales was one that I simply couldn’t turn down.
“I am really excited to be joining a region like Cardiff Blues. I was lucky enough to be able to visit last year so have a degree of familiarity with the club and people that will hopefully help me hit the ground running and start contributing to what I hope will be a successful season for the Blues.
"Much has been made about my Welsh eligibility and there is no doubt that my mother’s side of the family have always reinforced my Welshness. However, I am under no illusions and my focus is very much on the Blues and if the opportunity to represent Wales comes as a result of my performances on the pitch then of course I will take it.”