KORT SCHUBERT FACT FILE Born: Sacramento, California DOB: 24-07-79 Height: 1.9m Weight: 230lbs Previous club: UC Berkeley Caps: 36 Wales' summer transfers

The 25-year-old back-row man is in line to make his debut in Friday's friendly against Worcester.

"We've been monitoring Kort's progress in recent months and the signs are he will be a valuable acquisition," said Blues coach Dai Young.

Schubert has won 36 Test caps for the Eagles, including four in the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia when he scored three tries.

Having first captained the Eagles in a full Test against Argentina in 2003, he was appointed leader again this summer and was at the helm against France in Hartford last month when his team lost 31-39.

Kort's arrival at this time is doubly welcome Blues chief executive Robert Norster

"Players like Dan Baugh and John Tait have crossed the Atlantic before Kort and become great favourites at the Arms Park," added Young.

"He has a wealth of international experience in a formidable back row and we are delighted that he has signed a contract with us."

Blues chief executive Robert Norster said that Schubert would provide a much-needed boost to the Arms Park side's back-row resources.

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"Dan Baugh has had surgery on his foot during the close season and is currently unavailable for selection," said Norster.

"Added to that, one of our most promising youngsters, James Malpas, is recovering from a shoulder operation.

"Rob Appleyard will be concentrating on his coaching commitments within the Blues' academy and is likely to play most of his rugby for the Cardiff club side, so Kort's arrival at this time is doubly welcome."