Dubliner Copeland signs for Cardiff

Cardiff Blues have announced the signing of Dublin born flanker Robin Copeland from the Rotherham Titans.

Copeland, 24, is a product of the Leinster Academy and caught the eye for Rotherham last season having racked up 11 tries in 20 games.

Standing at 6' 5" tall and weighing over 16 stone, the former St Mary’s College player will add no shortage of power to the Cardiff pack and coach Justin Burnell admitted he is excited about Copeland’s future with the club.

"A big thing for us as a region and a team is that we should be looking at a three year cycle of establishing a group of players that will be here to build for the future,” Burnell said.

"Robin is a big physical boy with the ability to cross the gain-line but has the skills and finesse to put people in to finish via his decision making.

"He is 24 years old and has been the outstanding player in the Championship this year.

"We watched his games a few times, assessed his performances and then viewed him and met him.

"It's important that the player has the right attitude and mindset to fit into the environment. We went through that process and he ticked all the boxes."

Having failed to break through to the Leinster senior squad, Copeland has yet to taste PRO12 rugby but Burnell is confident the flanker will make a big impression.

"He might be an unknown quantity with the PRO12 but he will be a surprise package as well.

"He's a blindside flanker and also covers second row, in a similar bill to Andries Pretorius, who also came in as an unknown quantity.

"We will be looking for him to play alongside Andries and Michael Paterson and the battle hardened, experienced Xavier Rush."