Though some consider the employment of overseas players to be a wasted resource, Cardiff has a long history of doing so and to great effect.
Out first was Hans de Goede of Canada, who impressed whilst playing for the Overseas International XV against the club in its centenary year. He was followed by fellow Canucks, John Tait and the legendary Dan Baugh. From just across the border came USA stars Cam Dolan and Blaine Scully.
New Zealand has been a rich source of recruits and included the likes of Casey Laulala, Xavier Rush, Ben Blair, Paul Tito, Nick Williams, Uliisi Halaholo and Jonah Lomu, all giants of the game in more sense than one. South Africa has supplied Pieter Muller, Grant Esterhuizen and, in more recent times, Johan Mulder, while Luca Amorosimo and Joaquin Tuculet came from Argentina.
The Pacific Islands have also made strong contributions in the form of isles Ray Lee-Lo, Semi Sititi and Filo Paulo (all Samoa), Taufa’ao Filise and Maama Molitika (Tonga).
From less far afield, other non-Welsh qualified players who have starred for the side include John Scott, Barry Nelmes, Mike Teague, Huw Davies and Richard Cardus of England; the legendary England cricketer and Harlequins player Andrew Stoddart even played one game for Cardiff in 1883! From Ireland, we had Tom Wallace, Charles Bryant, James Finlay, Des O’Brien, Paul Burke, Ed Byrne and Robin Copeland, and from Scotland, Bruce Douglas and Javan Sebastian.
Out first was Hans de Goede of Canada, who impressed whilst playing for the Overseas International XV against the club in its centenary year. He was followed by fellow Canucks, John Tait and the legendary Dan Baugh. From just across the border came USA stars Cam Dolan and Blaine Scully.
New Zealand has been a rich source of recruits and included the likes of Casey Laulala, Xavier Rush, Ben Blair, Paul Tito, Nick Williams, Uliisi Halaholo and Jonah Lomu, all giants of the game in more sense than one. South Africa has supplied Pieter Muller, Grant Esterhuizen and, in more recent times, Johan Mulder, while Luca Amorosimo and Joaquin Tuculet came from Argentina.
The Pacific Islands have also made strong contributions in the form of isles Ray Lee-Lo, Semi Sititi and Filo Paulo (all Samoa), Taufa’ao Filise and Maama Molitika (Tonga).
From less far afield, other non-Welsh qualified players who have starred for the side include John Scott, Barry Nelmes, Mike Teague, Huw Davies and Richard Cardus of England; the legendary England cricketer and Harlequins player Andrew Stoddart even played one game for Cardiff in 1883! From Ireland, we had Tom Wallace, Charles Bryant, James Finlay, Des O’Brien, Paul Burke, Ed Byrne and Robin Copeland, and from Scotland, Bruce Douglas and Javan Sebastian.