Cardiff Rugby have added further depth to their fly-half resources with the signing of former Wales Under-20s star Arwel Robson. 

The 26-year-old arrives from Cornish Pirates where he has spent the last two seasons after leaving Dragons RFC in 2021. 

Robson has already linked up with the first-team squad and is relishing the opportunity that lies ahead at Cardiff Arms Park. 

He said: “I’m incredibly excited to make the move to Cardiff. It’s an honour to be able to play at the Arms Park and I can’t wait to get the chance to run out here for the first time.

“I grew up on the terraces of the Arms Park, in a family of Cardiff season ticket holders and I was a ball boy for years so it is a club that means a huge amount to me and my family. 

“After speaking to Matt about the style of play he wants to utilise, I’m confident it will really suit me and also continue to bring my game on.

“I’m very grateful to everyone at Cornish Pirates for the opportunity and support they gave me in the past few years. 

“I’ve played a lot of rugby down there and feel I am returning to Wales a better player and I am looking forward to continuing my development at the Arms Park.

“Cardiff also have a reputation for developing talent and the progression of players from the academy right through to the senior national team is testament to that. 

“Now I am just looking forward to getting on the training pitch and competing for game-time.”

Robson will fight for a place at fly-half alongside fellow new signing Tinus de Beer, Ben Thomas and academy duo Harrison James and Harri Wilde.

He is the fourth signing this summer, following de Beer, Ciaran Parker and Rhys Litterick, and head coach Matt Sherratt is pleased to add to his fly-half resources. 

Sherratt said: “We are delighted have have signed Arwel for this season.  He has a good skill set, will challenge the line and having regular game time has improved his in game management.  

“He has played a significant amount with Cornish Pirates over the past two seasons which is a sign of a player who was willing to take himself out of his comfort zone to go to a new club and get regular game time.  It shows he is driven.  

“Added to that he has a connection with the region and a point to prove in the Welsh professional game. He gives us a bit more depth at 10 and has slotted in well to training.” 

Loosehead prop Lizo Gqoboka has joined the DHL Stormers squad ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The 33-year-old Springbok front row forward has made the move to Cape Town and brings considerable experience with him.

Gqoboka only took up the game at the age of 19 and within two years had already secured his first professional contract. He has accumulated over 150 senior caps since then and made his Springbok debut in 2019.

DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that Gqoboka’s proven track record means he will be ready to hit the ground running when the season gets underway.

“Lizo is an experienced player who would be a valuable asset for any squad in what is an important position.

“He has already settled in well here in the pre-season and we are all looking forward to seeing what he can do when the season gets underway,” he said.

Gqoboka said that having played against the DHL Stormers many times in his career, he is excited about feeling the support of the Faithful.

“This is a great team with some incredible supporters and I can’t wait to run out in the blue and white jersey and give my all.

“My family and I have felt at home right away here, my teammates and the coaches have been so welcoming and I want to repay that when I get the chance to take the field as a DHL Stormer,” he said.