Cardiff Rugby Secures the Signature of Welsh Star from Rivals as Trio Moves the Other Way
Cardiff Rugby has officially announced the signing of Wales international player Taine Basham from the Welsh rivals, the Dragons. This move, first revealed by WalesOnline in January, came to fruition as the Arms Park side made an official statement on Tuesday evening. The 25-year-old back rower, who has spent his entire career at Rodney Parade, aims to reignite his presence in the Wales team through this transfer. In exchange, Cardiff flanker Thomas Young, along with teammates Seb Davies and Tinus de Beer, are said to be making their way to the Dragons. Additionally, Cardiff has also secured the signing of outside-half Ioan Lloyd from the Scarlets. Despite interest from the Scarlets and various English clubs, Basham decided to join Cardiff Rugby. With 17 Welsh caps under his belt, Basham’s versatility across the back row positions adds a valuable dimension to the team. The player expressed his excitement about the new chapter, stating, “I’m delighted to be joining Cardiff Rugby. It was time for me to take on a fresh challenge.”
Basham emerged onto the rugby scene in 2018, swiftly establishing himself as a regular first-team player at Rodney Parade after progressing through the Dragons’ age-grade and academy system. Known for his physicality, athleticism, and dynamism, Basham has amassed 106 appearances and an impressive 105 points (51 tries) during his time at the Newport-based club. Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting Basham’s undeniable talent and ambition to improve as a player. Sherratt believes that at 25 years old, Basham will be a valuable addition to Cardiff’s young and promising squad, with the potential to make a significant impact. He commended Basham’s powerful ball-carrying abilities, footwork, proficiency over the ball, and flexibility to cover multiple positions in the back row. Sherratt is confident that Basham’s potential will flourish with hard work, predicting a successful future for the Welsh star at Cardiff Rugby.
This news marks a significant development in the Welsh rugby landscape, with the movement of key players between rival clubs adding intrigue and excitement to the upcoming season. The transfer of a seasoned international like Taine Basham to Cardiff Rugby signifies the team’s ambitions to strengthen its roster and compete at the highest level. As the rugby community eagerly anticipates how these changes will impact the dynamics of both Cardiff Rugby and the Dragons, fans are bracing for an exciting chapter in Welsh rugby. With the upcoming season promising intense rivalries and thrilling showdowns, the announcement of Taine Basham’s transfer sets the stage for a compelling narrative to unfold on the Welsh rugby scene.
Indeed, Cardiff Rugby’s latest acquisition is a testament to the club’s commitment to building a competitive and dynamic team capable of challenging for top honours. The inclusion of a versatile and talented player like Taine Basham reinforces Cardiff’s ambition to elevate its performance and achieve success in domestic and international competitions. Fans of Welsh rugby can look forward to witnessing Basham’s impact on the field as he dons the Cardiff jersey, bringing his experience, skills, and passion to the team’s quest for glory. As the new season approaches, the anticipation and excitement surrounding Cardiff Rugby’s latest signing highlight the captivating nature of the sport and the enduring allure of top-level rugby competition in Wales.