Cardiff Blues unveil their rather white looking new strip

The club have also announced the signing of Wales internationals Nathan Thomas, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Williams, Ben Evans, Craig Quinnell and Andy Moore.

Wales under-21 winger Johnny Vaughton has also joined after not being offered a contract by the new Swansea-Neath side.

Cardiff chief executive Robert Norster said the new badge and shirt designs reflect the "forward thinking culture" of the new side.

He added: "A huge amount of effort has been made to ensure that the past 127 years of club traditions are not lost.

"We are delighted by the way these aspects have been respected and retained within the new modern brand."

The Blues will have their work cut out to make much of an impact in their debut season in the Heineken Cup.

They have been drawn Pool 3 alongside Leinster, Sale and Biarritz.

Bridgend and Pontypridd are the only other new regional side to confirm their new name. They will play as the RCT (Rhondda Cynon Taff) Ravens.

Cardiff Blues squad:

Backs: Rhys Williams, Donavan van Vuuren, Nick Walne, Dean Dewdney, Craig Morgan, Pieter Muller, Jamie Robinson, Tom Shanklin (from Saracens), Matt Allen Iestyn Harris, Nicky Robinson, Ryan Powell, Richard Smith. Forwards: Ben Evans, John Yapp, Ken Fourie, Spencer John, Andrew Lewis, James Richards, Gareth Williams, Luke Tait, Heino Senekal, Craig Quinnell, Andy Moore, Martyn Williams, Dan Baugh, Jim Brownrigg, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Dan McShane, Nathan Thomas (from Bath).