Tito loving life in Wales

Cult hero: Tito has taken to life in Wales, and the fans have taken to him

Paul Tito, one of four New Zealand-born stars with the Cardiff Blues, has said he would recommend life in Wales to other Kiwi players thinking of moving to Europe.

The drain on New Zealand rugby continues as big-name players are looking to cash in on the big money being offered by Europe's top clubs.

And Cardiff Blues' cult hero Paul Tito, known more affectionately among his friends as 'Fish', is loving life in Wales and would have no qualms about recommending the country to his fellow countrymen.

Tito, the former Hurricane, is nearing the end of his first season at the Arms Park and only has positive things to say about his time there. Not only that but Tito was full of praise for the Magners League, a tournament often criticised.

The 29-year-old second row is one of a growing contingent of Kiwis plying their trade in Wales, with the likes of Xavier Rush, Justin Marshall, Ben Blair, Marty Holah and Regan King all making their mark.

And there are likely to be more on the way, with prop Greg Somerville lined up by the Scarlets and hooker Tom Willis joining the Dragons.

Tito says he has been asked for his views on Welsh rugby by a number of interested countrymen and has delivered a big thumbs-up.

"I've talked to a few boys back home," he told The Western Mail.

"I am not trying to poach players or anything like that. But if they ask, then I will tell them what I've found since I've been here and they have only been positive things.

"Most of the Kiwi boys over here are doing all right. We are all doing our bit to help out.

"At home, everyone talks about the Guinness Premiership.

"I always say that's a good competition, but our competition is pretty good. I think the Magners League is improving and hopefully it will continue to improve.

"You've just got to have a look at the results in Europe and say that it is doing its job.

"Three teams from the league reached the quarter-finals, ourselves, the Ospreys and Munster, who are through to the final.

"We've played a few of the Guinness teams this season and we did all right against them, the same with the Ospreys. We've both fared all right.

"We don't play as much as the English sides either, so it's good for the body as well."

Tito admits the exodus of New Zealand players to Europe is a worry for rugby in his country, especially in the fly-half position where Dan Carter could be joining his Harlequins-bound understudy Nick Evans in heading abroad.

"It's a massive source of concern," he said.

"I don't know what the answer to it is. I think they need to sort it out. They know that.

"It all pretty much comes down to the pound being strong and big businesses are running the clubs over here and fronting up with a lot of cash.

"They are talking about all these fly-halves leaving, which is a massive tragedy for New Zealand rugby, but there will be someone that will step up and do a good job and wear that number ten jersey with pride.

"It's just the way it happens at home, but I think we've got awesome coaches and they'll sort it out."

Giving his take on why New Zealand continues to be such a fertile breeding ground for players, Tito said it was down to rugby being the only sport played.

"We don't have football at home, rugby is our first sport," he added.

"When you are growing up, you always want to be an All Black. We have got a massive pool of talent and everyone pretty much plays rugby."

Tito's talent was recognised at a young age, as he represented New Zealand at U19 and U21 level, going on to play for Taranaki and the Waikato Chiefs, before switching to the Hurricanes.

Following his move to Cardiff last year, he proved pretty much an instant hit with the Arms Park faithful due to his wholehearted commitment and technical excellence.

The fans have taken to chanting his name at every opportunity and he has to be a strong contender for the Blues' player of the season.

But he's quick to pass on the praise to others.

"I don't think you can put it down to one person," he said.

"I think our whole pack has got better. We've improved in little areas and everyone has stepped up. If you look at the likes of Deiniol Jones and Gareth Williams, they have really stood up this year, so I think to put it down to one person would be wrong.

"I've just got in there, I've done my bit and we've gone all right."

With most of his countrymen heading to Europe the ginger-haired second row is heading back to New Zealand next week, albeit for a month. Tito will be in New Zealand for his wedding, as he marries his partner Hayley before heading back to Cardiff for pre-season training.