Cardiff Blues make double swoop

Cardiff Blues have completed a double swoop, landing New Zealand centre Casey Laulala and former Wales and British and Irish Lions outside back Dafydd James.

Laulala will not link up with the Blues until he has completed the Air New Zealand Cup campaign with Canterbury.

The 27-year-old has played twice for the All Blacks, making his debut against Wales in 2004 and then facing Ireland in 2006.

“We are delighted to have finalised the signing of Casey for the forthcoming season,” said Blues chief executive Robert Norster.

“He is a quality player who has played at the highest level in New Zealand rugby over a number of years.

“Casey is not only a hard tackling centre but also a top line-breaker with great footballing abilities who is a difficult man to bring down.

“I’m sure he will prove to be another strong addition to our squad when he eventually arrives later in the Autumn following his Air New Zealand Cup commitments to Canterbury.”

James, 34, will add experience to the Blues line-up.

The veteran of the 2001 Lions tour of Australia, James was the first player in Heineken Cup history to score 25 tries in the tournament.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to join a team that is certainly on the up after their performances last season,” said James, who has 48 caps with Wales.

“It’s an exciting time to join the Blues as they move to the new stadium. They are probably the best supported team in Wales and had a huge amount of support last season in their Heineken Cup and EDF Cup matches.”