Leading Wales rugby side Cardiff Blues have raised their game even further by staking a claim to become a key player in the business world.

The Blues, who this season moved into their brand new £50m, 27,000-seater stadium home in Cardiff, have become patron members of the South WalesChamber of Commerce.

The deal is being hailed by South Wales Chamber of Commerce Managing Director David Russ as a ‘win/win’ link for the rugby club and the chamber.

Mr Russ said: “We were just as keen to have the Blues as patron members of the chamber as they were to join the Chamber. We will benefit equally from this exciting arrangement.

“The facilities at Cardiff City Stadium are very impressive and will offer the chamber a host of opportunities in terms of networking, conferencing and business development which I see as being hugely beneficial to the entire membership of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce.”

The Blues, Champions of the EDF Energy Cup, aim to boost their presence in the business world through joining the chamber as significant patron members and the chamber will enhance their standing through linking with the hugely successful outfit.

Mr Russ said another major benefit is the availability to the chamber of seats at the ground for games and the use of the sporting outfit’s Premier lounge which can hold 500 people.

The Blues recently announced a lucrative partnership with Celtic Springs Business Park, Newport-based EADS defence and security firm. The deal sees EADS appear as principal commercial sponsor on the players’ shirts for the 2009/10 season.

Cardiff Blues Chief Executive Robert Norster, welcoming their link with the Chamber said: “Cardiff Blues are at the forefront of regional rugby in Wales and amongst the elite professional teams in Europe. For so many across the Blues region and in the capital, the Blues are at the hub of their community, both their sporting and business lives.

“With our dynamic brand identity Cardiff Blues have a strong corporate presence in an evermore competitive marketplace and aim to further our position as one of the dominant forces in European Rugby on and off the field of play.

“This fantastic new partnership with the Chamber will provide a new platform for the team to communicate and interact with other members as well as further their position as a pillar in the business community.

“Furthermore the Blues have just moved to a new home during the summer 2009, Cardiff City Stadium, located a mile outside the city centre, a venue that boasts facilities that are truly second to none, and ideal for businesses and general consumers alike.

“Match days at the stadium will provide fantastic networking opportunities for businesses based from East to West Wales and will prove to be the place to be for the Wales business community.

“Through the Chamber partnership the Blues can widen access for members as well as for the Chamber themselves to the commercial opportunities at the new stadium. A truly win/win situation for all parties.”