Rees turns down Worcester to re-sign with Blues

Former Wales captain Matthew Rees will not be signing for Worcester Warriors and has instead agreed a new deal with Cardiff Blues.
The 34 year-old hooker arrived at Arms Park in 2013 and extends his stay that had looked doubtful under the guise of Mark Hammett.
But new coach Danny Wilson has acted to stave off interest from Dean Ryan at Worcester, who it’s believed offered a contract to Rees.
Joining the former British & Irish Lion in penning a new deal is second row James Down, who re-signs from London Welsh.
On concluding the deals, Wilson said: “I’m delighted that Matthew and James have re-signed for Cardiff Blues; both are very important and positive additions to our region as we prepare for the new season.
“I obviously know Matthew really well from our time together at Scarlets and we have a strong working relationship so I’m really pleased to have signed him.
“Matthew brings real leadership and vast experience to our squad. He will also be working closely with our young hookers to bring them on and develop them as players.”
On the return of James Down, who spent eight seasons with the Blues before joining London Welsh for a solitary season, Wilson said, “James had a fantastic personal season at London Welsh and his stats in the Aviva Premiership were outstanding.
“He is a strong lineout forward and there is no doubt he returns to Cardiff Blues a better player.
“There was a lot of interest in James from clubs in both the Aviva Premiership and Top 14 in France. However, he is a local boy and passionate about playing his rugby for our region so we are delighted he is coming back home.”