Blues boss Dai Young says Gareth Cooper's signing is a big boost

Cardiff Blues have signed Wales scrum-half Gareth Cooper from Gloucester and fly-half Nicky Robinson is quitting the Arms Park for Kingsholm.

Cooper, 29, has been linked with a move back to Wales for some time and his switch may end speculation of the Blues signing Dwayne Peel from Sale.

Robinson, 27, had previously been linked with a possible switch to Sale at the end of the season.

His brother Jamie is also leaving to

join Toulon.

Blues boss Dai Young said of 2005 Lion Cooper: "Gareth has undoubtedly proven over the years that he is a quality scrum half and will be a great addition to our squad next season.

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"There was obviously a lot of interest in him so it a real boost to us that he has chosen to join the Blues and I'm sure he will be another great addition to our squad."

"He performed admirably for Wales during the Autumn internationals and it's great that we are able to bring him back over the border."

Robinson, who began his Arms Park career as a teenager, says his decision to move has been tough to make.

He added: "To decide to leave my hometown club, somewhere where I dreamt of playing, and spent a large part of my career was always going to be hard.

"However, it's something I felt I needed to do. I wanted to experience playing in a different environment and a different league.

We know from first-hand experience just what an exciting talent he [Nicky] is Gloucester boss Dean Ryan

"I also wanted to test myself and try to improve as a rugby player and as a person, and Gloucester will give me that opportunity."

"I wanted to find out for myself what it is like to play in a different league and train with different players and coaches and change the routine that I have been doing for a number of years now."

Gloucester' boss Dean Ryan said: "To be in the market to sign a player of Nicky's quality is a really significant addition to our squad.

"We know from first-hand experience just what an exciting talent he is.

"He has a proven quality at operating at the highest level in Europe and internationally with Wales and his expertise is something we are delighted to be working with."

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