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Welsh raps for Rush

Former All Black Xavier Rush has been described as the finest overseas signing Welsh rugby has seen.

Tuesday, 16 February 2010

Sportal.co.nz

Former All Black Xavier Rush has been described as the finest overseas signing Welsh rugby has seen.

Rush has been with the Cardiff Blues for five years and will leave at the end of the season to take up a two-year contract with Ulster.

But Simon Thomas, of the South Wales Echo, said Rush's future as a Blues legend was guaranteed.

"From day one, the former All Black has demonstrated the kind of steely resolve and can-do approach that seems to be part of the Kiwi gene pool.

"That has rubbed off on the younger players around him, as has his willingness to constantly put his body on the line.

"He's also the consummate professional, a man who takes his rugby seriously and a man who hates losing," he said.

The Blues were not happy about Rush moving on.

Blues chief executive, former Wales lock Robert Norster said the club had tried everything to hold onto him.

"He has been at the core of the evolution of the region over the last five years," he said.

The Blues have fielded many top players over the years and prominent among them have been lock Paul Tito and fullback Ben Blair.

But it is Rush who has been regarded as the most valuable.

"As a barnstorming No.8 and skipper for two seasons, he has consistently led from the front, never once taking a backward step. Quite simply the man is a rugby warrior," Thomas said.

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