Cardiff RFC have pulled off a coup with the signing of former Ospreys and Wales U20 scrum-half Tom Habberfield ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

The 27-year-old was released by the Swansea-based outfit at the end of the season after playing 137 times in all competitions. He came through the development pathway after starting out at Bridgend Athletic, playing for Pencoed College and Bridgend Ravens along the way.

Habberfield also played for Wales U20, starting at the 2012 World Rugby U20 Championship as the young Welshmen beat New Zealand U20 on the way to finishing third, and appeared for Wales Sevens during that same season.

Upon his release by the Ospreys he was linked with a move to Principality Premiership champions Merthyr, as well as being tracked by Harlequins, but has made the decision to stay local and sign for the Blue and Blacks where he will compete with Martin Roberts for the scrum-half position.

Speaking in an interview with WalesOnline, Habberfield, who can cover wing as well as playing scrum-half confirmed, “There was an offer on the table from Cardiff RFC and I felt I had to take it, with my partner committing to going part-time with her work.

“And Steve Law, Cardiff’s coach, is a really good guy. I’m excited about working with him. That said, I haven’t written off pro rugby. Things can change in a single afternoon: one injury and someone’s on the phone to you.”

Whether Habberfield gets the chance to show what he can do with Cardiff Blues A, or even with the first team during the World Cup when Tomos Williams is away, remains to be seen but, for now, he is a Blue and Black.