Liam Belcher has become the latest first team star to commit his future to Cardiff Rugby.
The 27-year-old follows the likes of front-row teammate Corey Domachowski and fellow home grown talents Theo Cabango, Ben Thomas and Teddy Williams in signing fresh terms at the Arms Park.
Belcher, who made his first team debut for the club in 2014, has now made 64 appearances for the Blue and Blacks and he is relishing the opportunity to help drive the team forward in 2023-24.
He said: “I’m really grateful and happy to have the opportunity to represent the club for the next few years. It’s a club that means a lot to me given the fact that I have come right through the system here.
“Playing at the Arms Park is always special. It’s great when we get a full house, especially on the derby days and thinking back to that Sale game last season - it was so good with that atmosphere.
“We have a good group of players, with some exciting talent coming through, and we are determined to work hard for each other, the supporters and the badge. With Jockey (Matt Sherratt) at the helm we are excited to see what the future holds.
Belcher came through the ranks of Trebanog before earning a call-up to the Blue and Blacks’ academy. He captained the club’s Under-18s and is another player to have starred for Wales Under-20s.
He made the move to Dragons in 2017, but moved back to his home club a year later and has been a key figure since, adding 59 appearances to his tally.
“It’s good playing with boys that I have grown up with. It’s always a way better feeling when you are playing alongside your friends.
“So I’m pleased to be staying and we are all now working really hard in pre-season. It has been great so far and we are looking forward to taking it up another notch in block three to give us the best possible start to next season.”
Belcher will compete with the likes of Efan Daniel and Evan Lloyd for the number two jersey at the Arms Park and head coach Matt Sherratt has highlighted the importance of the energetic hooker.
Sherratt said: “I’m really pleased that Liam has signed a new contract with the club as he is a massively important figure within the group.
“As well as his excellent technical qualities he is one of the best professionals I have worked with and he is an important leader within our squad.”