Cardiff's signing of Gareth Anscombe from New Zealand's Waikato Chiefs should spice up the Welsh club's Pro12 matches against Ulster this season. He may also be involved in next year's Six Nations Championship.
The 23-year-old son of former Ulster coach Mark, who plays outhalf or fullback, has hopes of breaking into Warren Gatland's Welsh Squad ahead of next year's World Cup.
But his Twitter comments after his father was surprisnigly sacked by Ulster last month with a year remaining on his contract may come back to haunt him. Anscome’s angryTweet said that his father was badly treated by Ulster management and referred to Ulster executives as ’clowns’.
“Pretty disappointed to hear about the way the old mans been treated by @Ulster Rugby, how do you expect to get success at a club when you have clowns at the top making decisions like this,” he said.
Anscombe, who qualifies to wear the red shirt through his Welsh mother will complete his move from Super Rugby to the Blues once he has completed ITM Cup commitments with Auckland.
The Blues confirmed that he has agreed “a long-term deal” and he will join a squad currently preparing for the new season under rugby director Mark Hammett’s guidance.
“My decision to leave New Zealand has been a tough one,” Anscombe said.
“I have loved every minute of my career in New Zealand. However, in consultation with my family, I came to the conclusion that the opportunity in Wales was one that I simply couldn’t turn down..
“Much has been made about my Welsh eligibility, and there is no doubt that my mother’s side of the family have always reinforced my Welshness. However, I am under no illusions and my focus is very much on the Blues, and if the opportunity to represent Wales comes as a result of my performances on the pitch then of course I will take it.”
Anscombe has scored more than 250 points during his Super Rugby career, while he helped New Zealand win the Under-20 World Championship three years ago.
