LV= Cup: Ben Blair returns for Cardiff Blues
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Ben Blair is set to return to Cardiff Blues action for their LV= Cup clash with Gloucester at Kingsholm on Saturday after 15 months out injured.
Blair suffered a knee injury in the Heineken Cup match against Castres in October 2010.
"It's been a hugely frustrating period for me both on and off the pitch over the last 15 months," said Blair.
"When I first injured the knee I don't think anyone expected it to take so long to get back."
Added the New Zealander: "It's been extremely hard both mentally and physically to get to the position where I am able to play again, so I'm just looking forward to finally having a match."
"The rehab work on the knee has gone well and it feels good."
"I've really missed playing so it will be good to get a run out on Saturday."
Blues backs coach Gareth Baber said: "Ben brings a vast amount of experience having been a solid front line player for us for the past five to six seasons, so it's good to have him back."
"Obviously he's been out for a long time with his knee injury but we hope to see him back to his kicking best and controlling the back three for us, solid under high balls and driving our attack in wide areas."
"He's trained hard by himself doing a lot of rehabilitation and seems to be right back up there with his fitness scores, and has performed well alongside the players in rugby training."
"Obviously he wasn't part of our Heineken Cup squad but it's good to have him playing again with some big RaboDirect matches on the horizon."
