Rush reveals Welsh passion

Xavier Rush is ready for a change. Picture / Richard Robinson

Xavier Rush has some homework to do before joining his new club in November - he needs to swat up on his team-mates.

"I don't really have a clue about any of the players, to be honest. I'm showing my ignorance," the Auckland and Blues player admitted.

Rush was at Eden Park yesterday to formally announce his move to join Welsh club the Cardiff Blues.

He will leave in November after the end of the NPC.

The No 8 said he would depart with a sense of sadness after nine seasons at Auckland, but also with a sense of satisfaction with his achievements.

Rush captained the Blues to the Super 12 title in 2003, Auckland to NPC titles in 2002 and 2003, as well as winning the Ranfurly Shield in 2003.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my career here and I'll look back with not many regrets at all and a lot of contentment."

Rush, who played eight tests for the All Blacks between 1998 and last year, said his Auckland contract was up at the end of the season and he felt he needed a change to "freshen up".

But he insisted the three-year deal was not a retirement package.

"It's not like you're 30 and going for your last couple of years - I'm 27 and I feel my body is in really good shape and I'm still enjoying my football. I just want to basically try something different.

"I feel like I can contribute quite a lot to the Cardiff Blues side."

Rush, who has played 80 matches for Auckland as well as 86 Super 12 games for the Blues, also admitted yesterday that there had been interest from several other clubs in Britain.

He did not reveal who they were, but said he chose Cardiff because of the Welsh passion for rugby.

"Wales is a great country which really does enjoy its rugby. That's part of the reason I wanted to go to Cardiff."