Dragon Jason Tovey explains Cardiff Blues move

  • Published
Jason Tovey
Image caption,

Jason Tovey was part of Wales' training squad ahead of the 2011 World Cup

Fly-half Jason Tovey says better facilities and improving his chances of playing for Wales are behind his move from Newport Gwent Dragons to near neighbours Cardiff Blues.

Tovey played for Wales Under-20, but age-group rival Dan Biggar has been ahead of him in the Wales pecking order behind Rhys Priestland.

"It's all different things, the type of players they've got there [at the Blues], they play a different game to us and the facilities are top," Tovey told BBC Sport Wales.

"So I'll be looking to improve with facilities like that."

Added Tovey: "Hopefully with the facilities I can kick on and improve as a player, improve the weaknesses in my game - maybe my defence, maybe my kicking as well.

Media caption,

Tovey disappointed despite win

"Hopefully that'll push me to get Welsh credit."

Tovey has been a regular at fly-half or full-back since making the regional breakthrough as a teenager, making his 90th appearance in their 21-10 Pro12 triumph over Edinburgh while winning the man-of-the-match award.

"I was born in Newport and it's one of the hardest decisions I've had to make. There were certain factors that made me want to go and certain factors that made me want to stay.

"The supporters have been great to me over the last few years and I'll give it my all until the end of the season."

Coach Darren Edwards refused to be drawn on Tovey's departure.

"It would be frustrating but we've also got a strategy as well so maybe there's a grand plan," said Edwards, who was was more forthcoming on the exit to Biarritz of eight-tmes capped Aled Brew.

The wing has become a fans' favourite in a second Rodney Parade spell in which he has made a century of appearances.

Edwards says Brew's omission from the Wales Six Nations squad in the wake of Shane Williams' retirement helped persuade the player to commit his future to French club Biarritz.

George North, 19, Alex Cuthbert, 22, uncapped Blue Harry Robinson, 19, and Scarlets' back-three player Liam Williams, 20, have overtaken Brew in the eyes of the Wales coaches.

"Aled looked at his future with Wales and it looked pretty bleak there, he's thought about his future with a young family and decided that way," added Edwards.

"There's no hard feelings, I wouldn't be surprised to see Aled back here in the future."

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.