Cardiff Blues have received a further boost with the news that international prop forward Scott Andrews has signed a contract extension with the region
Andrews was part of the Welsh Junior World Championship side that reached the last four of the inaugural tournament held in Wales in 2008 and captained the side against France and Italy in the 2009 Under 20s Six Nations.
Having been capped at Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 levels for Wales he then went on to captain his country in the Junior World Cup in Japan in June 2009.
A product of the Blues Age Grade and Academy system, Scott made his senior Blues debut against Ulster at Ravenhill in the Magners League in 2009.
Andrews made his senior international debut, coming on as a replacement in the 2011 summer fixture against the Barbarians and played against Samoa, New Zealand and Australia in the 2012 autumn series.
Speaking of his new contract Scott said,
“We have had a tough start to the season but we have a great group of boys here and things are looking good for the future, so I am really glad to stay on.
“I have been here since I was sixteen and didn’t want to look elsewhere as I am happy at the Blues.
“We have a lot of young boys mixed with some top internationals who are contracted for the next few years, so slowly we are producing a good core. It will be exciting to see it progress over the next few years.
Speaking of his international ambitions Scott added,
“I enjoyed playing for Wales in the 2012 autumn internationals but the focus now is to play well for the Blues. If I get the nod for the national side for the Six Nations it’s something I can look forward to in the future.
“Rugby is a learning process, you keep leaning your whole career, the more experience you get the more you continue to improve as a player and it’s a constant challenge. I have improved the last few years and hopefully with another few seasons at the Blues I can keep learning and progressing.
“I knew the way Phil worked after experiencing his coaching at Under 20 level. He’s been really enthusiastic and very hands-on, which is great for the boys. He gets right amongst it and is really passionate about the game and our region. It’s great for the young players to see a coach like that.
The former Y Pant Comprehensive Schools pupil believes that the move back to the Arms Park has been a successful one with both fans and players enjoying being back at the historic ground.
“Atmosphere wise you can’t describe how much better the Arms Park is and the relationship with the crowd and fans has improved as a result. Obviously the pitch isn’t up to the same standard as Cardiff City but our ground staff are doing a good job with it.
“I think we have established ourselves as a region. Everyone where I am from in Llantrisant gets behind us. I definitely feel that we are well established now and I can’t wait to spend a few more seasons playing for the Blues.”