| Davies returns to Wales after a season with English National One outfit Pertemps Bees, who visit the Arms Park for a pre-season friendly on Saturday. McShane was a mainstay of the Blue & Blacks pack before departing for two seasons with Neath.
They are joined by several other experienced campaigners at Premiership level. Fullbacks Andrew Hutchings (from Maesteg) and Roger Davies (Bridgend) fill the gaps left by the likely promotion of Jamie Roberts to the Blues squad while Leon Andrews has transferred to Cross Keys.
Another centre recruit is Richard Thomas from Aberavon while Ryan Howells (Newport) and Dan Meredith (Beddau) are new faces among the wings. Leigh Halfpenny, who impressed in the final match of last season, is also confirmed as a new Blue & Black.
The former Penallta fly half Gareth Davies, who was man of the match in the Silver Ball Final, and Scott Sneddon (UWIC and Llantwit Major) are two new fly halves.
There are also two new hookers, Garry Horrigan from Cross Keys and Rhys James (Newport), while prop Richard Cornock from Cross Keys, 6’6” lock Damien Welch from Pontypridd, and dynamic flanker Adam Whitney from Bridgend will add further experience to the pack.
Meanwhile, Cardiff’s commitment to player development continues with the inclusion of Blues U20 and Academy products Patrick Palmer (prop), Aaron Fowler (hooker) and last season’s U20 captain Jevon Groves (flanker).
Cardiff follow-up this weekend’s home match against Pertemps Bees with away trips to Monks Bay in Penzance and Weston on the 18th and 25th of August.
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