Rees leads the way in Cardiff

Cardiff Blues revealed that hooker Mathew Rees will lead the team for the 2013/14 season.

Rees, who joined the Blues from the Scarlets during the off-season, won 58 caps for Wales and toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 2009.

Gavin Evans is appointed as vice-captain, with Andries Pretorius, Sam Warburton, Bradley Davies, Macauley Cook and Rhys Patchell joining the two as part of the regional leadership team that will head up key areas on and off the field for the Cardiff Blues.

Speaking of the appointment Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Phil Davies said: "We have picked a core group of players to head up our regional leadership team with Matthew Rees appointed as Captain.

"Any of the players can step up and they have been given specific areas to work on.

"Matthew will face stiff competition for his starting place with Rhys Williams, Marc Breeze and Kristian Dacey all performing well for us last year, however, he is a player that understands the standards that I expect of the squad.

"We selected the captain a bit differently last year, but this year I know a bit more about the players so it made things easier.

"I have known Matthew for a long time and he is a great leader.

"I canvassed opinion from all around regarding the appointment and it was greeted with enthusiasm.

"He obviously has a lot of experience at regional and international level but what I like about him also is his hunger to do well.

"He’s made the move from the Scarlets to the Blues this off-season and still has the hunger for the game and to play international rugby."