The Cardiff Blues visited Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre for a day's canoeing on the River Wye as part of their pre-season training.

Although they arrived quietly to park by Monmouth Leisure Centre they were to start their canoeing at 9am but an hour or so after they still hadn't left due to the excitement they created with fans taking photographs with them.

The whole of the first team squad and coaches, numbering 52, including many Welsh Internationals, Samoans and Australian along with their new first team Boss Phil Davies, Director of Rugby.

The 14 mile paddle from Kerne Bridge to Monmouth started off in fine weather but halfway down the heavens opened up though as they crossed the border to come into Wales the sun came out again.

The day was designed to be a bonding session for the players and coaching staff since many are from different parts of the World but the competitiveness of the group took over and it inevitably turned into a race. There had to be some minor adjustments in crew, particularly when three of the front row got into one canoe which promptly started to ship water due to the exceptionally large weight it was carrying. The whole group came through Symonds Yat Rapids without any mishaps and then sprinted for the finish at Monmouth.

The first crews coming in in under three hours with Sam Warburton Captain of the Blues and Wales finishing in the first couple of canoes; this 14 mile trip is designed as an all day five hour paddle so to complete it in under three hours is somewhat of an achievement.

The last two or three hundred metres into Monmouth was passed by one or two of the Blues players trying to capsize one another. Phil Davies and Xavier Rush being particular targets. Due to their superior skill and weight they avoided all capsizing with sheer speed.

The whole group were well organised and really enjoyed their day canoeing on the Wye. It goes without saying that we wish them a great season and now that they have a connection with Monmouth it is hoped that we will be able to see them again this year.

See page 36 for a report on one of the team's return to Monmouth.