Sam Warburton's progress has hit Sowden-Taylor with Blues and Wales

Back-five forward Scott Morgan has joined Newport Gwent Dragons on a two-year deal after his release by Cardiff Blues.

The one-cap Wales international is also believed to have attracted interest from clubs in England and France.

On Tuesday the Blues announced the departure of out-of-contract Morgan and of Wales flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor.

Sale are favourites to sign Sowden-Taylor, an expected move to the Dragons thought to have fallen through.

The Blues say that Morgan and Sowden-Taylor "are looking to finalise contracts with other clubs over the forthcoming weeks".

As the Amlin Cup holders get back into pre-season training, speculation continues to surround the future of Blues and Wales back-rower Andy Powell, although media links with moves to Agen or to rugby league side Crusaders do not appear likely.

We look forward to welcoming the new players to the squad and build on the foundations we laid last season Blues director of rugby Dai Young

Blues director of rugby Dai Young said of the players leaving the region: "Everyone at the Blues would like to thank the players for their contribution, both on and off the field, over the past few years.

"They have all played their part in moving the region forward and we wish them the best of luck with their rugby careers.

"We look forward to welcoming the new players to the squad and build on the foundations we laid last season.

"Lifting the Amlin Cup in the south of France was an incredible highlight for our fans and everyone involved at the Blues, and we truly appreciate their support throughout the ups and downs of the whole season.

"As we look to build on these achievements next season, the loyalty of our supporters remains of huge importance to the players and the rest of the Blues team, and vital to our success on the pitch."

Cardiff Blues' close-season squad movements:

Players arriving: Dan Parks (outside-half, Glasgow Warriors), Michael Paterson (lock/blind-side flanker, Hurricanes), Tom Brown (back-row, London Welsh), Bryn Griffiths (lock, Doncaster Knights), Tom Davies (prop, Doncaster Knights)

Players departed: Darren Allinson (London Irish), Dai Flanagan (Ospreys), Sam Norton-Knight (Sanyo Wild Knights, Japan), Robin Sowden-Taylor, Scott Morgan

Coaches departed: Bill Millard (Teaching post in Adelaide, Australia)

Departed mid-season 2009/10: Gareth Thomas (Crusaders Rugby League), Darren Morris (Northampton Saints), Dafydd James (Sale Sharks)

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