Cardiff Blues have been handed a major fitness boost for the Amlin Challenge Cup final against Toulon in Marseille after Wales international scrum half Richie Rees was passed fit.
Rees missed the 18-15 semi-final victory over London Wasps with an ankle injury. But he will definitely line up at the Stade Velodrome and replace rookie stand-in Darren Allinson for the trip to the south of France.
Blues coach Dai Young said: “Richie is fit and has been a big part of our turn-about since Christmas. He has deserved his recognition with Wales and brings tempo and quick service to the game. It is important for us to have him back out on the field.”
The Blues face the star-studded French outfit fresh from a week off after they narrowly missed out on the Magners League Play-Offs. But Young believes the break could be a blessing in disguise for the Welsh region.
“Of course, I was disappointed not to get into the play-offs, but if you look at the final in isolation, I believe we’ve had the best preparation by not playing last weekend,” added Young.
“Toulon are a quality side and could pick from two different teams. But it’s a cup final and we know what it takes to win big games.
“We have been used to them in the last six weeks and we want to lift the trophy.”
