Posted by When it comes to 2023 from a Cardiff Rugby perspective the year has largely been a walking contradiction as, despite all the uncertainty, frustration and desperately sad moments, it has also seen some great occasions, hugely enjoyable spells and finishes on a note of real optimism.
12 months are a long time in Welsh rugby, and indeed the picture around the Arms Park has changed dramatically. The Welsh Rugby Union’s CEO Steve Phillips departed in disgrace over his handling of a culture of misogyny and bullying within the organisation, leading to wide-ranging governance reforms next door that seem to shepherd in a new, ambitious and progressive era.
Unfortunately to get to that point there had to be collateral damage in the shape of the professional clubs, and particularly the players themselves. No agreement on payments meant playing budgets were unknown and new contract offers were frozen, never mind new signings. Players were left in limbo not knowing how much money they were to be offered, or if they would even have employment at all.
That was, of course, exacerbated at Cardiff where the lengthy investigation into accusations levelled at Director of Rugby David Young meant the club essentially went into hibernation for much of the summer. Eventually the former prop was cleared of any wrongdoing, but a mutual termination was agreed to and the Blue and Blacks were once again searching for a new person to run the rugby department.
In amongst all that came the desperately sad news that long-time benefactor and Club President Peter Thomas had passed away in April after an illness. A player, supporter, leader and financier for over 50 years, he left a massive hole at the Arms Park which likely will never be filled, but seemed particularly deep across that middle part of the year.
However, the best moments can sometimes follow the worst of times, and that seems to slowly be coming true for Cardiff as the final third of the year brought a wave of optimism that started small but has grown to something more than surf-able as we reach the end of 2023.
It can be traced back to the win over Sale Sharks back in April when, after an emotional tribute to Peter on the pitch, the players produced a frankly stunning performance to out-fight and out-play the English side who sat second in the Gallagher Premiership at the time. A special night at the Arms Park that will be remembered for many years.
That feeling of knowing life, and the club, does go on, watched over by Peter from above, gave a lot of people the confidence to rebuild once Matt Sherratt was named as the Head Coach for the 2023/24 campaign. A young and exciting squad, led by a young and exciting coaching ticket, made the aim abundantly clear; entertain and learn.
It’s bizarre to sit here at the turn of the calendar year with Cardiff having just three wins from 10 games in all competitions, two of which have come against the Dragons, and be the most positive I’ve felt since the end of the 2017/18 season, yet that is exactly the case.
Young players have been blooded in their droves, impressing with their skills and commitment, the senior players have done a brilliant job in leading them, and the coaching staff have sent them out with a game plan that makes the Blue and Blacks eminently watchable. No league loss has been by more than seven points, and the squad is noticeably improved now compared to September.
Over and above that there is a feeling of real togetherness at the Arms Park. The playing squad seem to have cultivated a strong environment out of the adversity faced this year, the coaching staff have fostered that desire to put in effort and let the players express themselves on the field, and the supporters have been taken along by the clear communication of the plan, as well as the demonstrative actions on the field, and the introduction of talented local lads.
That extends to the Rags too where, even though the results have faltered after last season’s impressive Welsh Cup win and run to the Final of the Indigo Group Premiership, a strong corps of semi-professional players given a chance from local lower league clubs have seen Steve Law’s men finish the calendar year right in the hunt for the top four.
The road back to the pinnacle for both teams might be a slightly winding one, as building back up from a lower base does not happen overnight, but with new owners seeming set to purchase the club early in 2024 and the solid foundations laid by the last four months, there is something brewing at the Arms Park.
It’s been an emotional rollercoaster of a 2023, but as the New Year is upon us, there is plenty to look forward to for the Blue and Blacks. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2024, Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
Cardiff Rugby Life 