Cardiff Blues have confirmed the signing of Wales international fly-half Rhys Priestland.
The move has been heavily-reported for some time but has now been officially announced by the region, with the vastly-experienced 34-year-old joining this summer.
The 50-cap fly-half, whose last Wales Test came against the All Blacks in 2017, has spent the last six seasons at Bath, establishing himself as a key figure in their ranks.
He has amassed over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 810 points. Last season he was top points scorer in the Gallagher Premiership.
Explaining his move to the Blues, Priestland said: “I have loved my time at Bath. I needed a change of environment and possibly stayed at the Scarlets a year too long but moving here has been great for me.
“Some of the coaches and players I have had the opportunity to work and play with has been great, I have learnt a lot and enjoyed playing in the Premiership.
"However now is the right time to come back to Wales and I’m really excited about the future at Cardiff. They have a really exciting squad with a lot of good young players and some talented young coaches who I know well like Richie Rees, Tom Smith and Dwayne Peel, who will also be joining next season.
“Everyone speaks very highly of Dai and he has achieved some great things in the game as a coach with Cardiff Blues and Wasps, so I’m really looking forward to hopefully working for him.
“There is a lot of potential at Cardiff to kick on and I’m really looking forward to playing my part. I still have plenty to give on the pitch and look forward to competing for a starting jersey but I also hope to pass on my experience in the game.
“I have really enjoyed doing that at Bath and would love to help develop the young players at the Blues while hopefully learning from the likes of Jarrod, who is one of the most talented attacking 10s around.”
Priestland is returning to a familiar league, having launched his career at the Scarlets, for whom he made 150 appearances before crossing the River Severn.
“It is important to have quality players competing for every position and Rhys will bring further strength and depth to our options in the number 10 jersey and drive standards," said Cardiff Blues interim director of rugby Dai Young.
“He brings an abundance of experience and having worked in the Premiership for so long, I am very aware of the qualities he will bring to Cardiff Blues. He is a first class goal-kicker, with a quality tactical kicking game and is a great distributor, who can run an attacking game while also sound in defence.
“He is experienced, very professional and will relish competing for a starting spot at the Arms Park while helping young players develop their all round games.”
Blues fans will be hoping that this does not mean current fly-half and Wales international Jarrod Evans is heading out the door.
His departure has always seemed unlikely but his contract is due to expire at the end of this season and, as yet, there is no news of a renewal.
