Cardiff Blues sign Dmitri Arhip

Cardiff Blues can confirm they have secured the sought-after services of Dmitri Arhip in a sensational coup for the region.

The 29-year-old, who has established himself as one of the world’s leading tight-heads, is the first signing of the John Mulvihill era and a major boost to Wales’ Capital Region.

Cardiff Blues head coach said: John Mulvihill: “We are all thrilled to have signed Dmitri. He has proven himself a world-class tight-head prop both in terms of scrummaging and around the pitch and is the perfect fit for us as we look to strengthen our pack.

 “We need to add quality and depth to our squad to compete in both the Guinness PRO14 and the Champions Cup and this is a great start to our recruitment.

“We remain committed to developing Welsh talent from within but you also need to strike the right balance.

“Dmitri will not only bring a wealth of experience for the entire season but he will have a responsibility to pass on his knowledge to the likes of Dillon Lewis and Kieron Assiratti, who have an abundance of potential.

 “I am confident we now have real strength in depth and competition in a vitally important position.”

Arhip will arrive at the Arms Park following five seasons at the Ospreys, where he has made 91 appearances and developed into one of the hottest prop properties in Europe.