Club captain Liam Belcher has led the way by signing a contract extension at the Arms Park.
The dynamic hooker had a year remaining on his existing deal but has extended that further to reaffirm his commitment to the club.
Belcher is the first of several players who have extended or signed new deals, to be announced in the coming days, as Cardiff Rugby continue to build from a foundation of homegrown players.
Head coach Matt Sherratt was thrilled to extend the 28-year-old’s contract and believes his leadership is crucial to the future of the club.
He said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to extend Liam’s contract as he is a really important figure at the club.
“Over the past few years he has been a standout, consistent performer and he deservedly picked up the Peter Thomas Player of the Year award after his performances last season.
“He was an obvious choice as captain, following the retirement of Josh Turnbull, and continues to lead by example both on and off the pitch.
“Technically, he is very good and this is combined with a detailed understanding of the game, his explosive athleticism and ability on both sides of the ball.
“He is a homegrown player, a proud Rhondda man, who is really passionate about the club and the surrounding area. He will be a key figure as we continue to grow as a group and also deserves a lot of credit for the way he has helped to bring through the young hookers, who he now competes with.
“They are all better players from working and competing with Belch and we now have a really strong group, who are all driving each other on.”
Belcher is a product of the club’s pathway, having progressed through Porth Harlequins and Treorchy RFC before breaking into the Cardiff academy.
The Wales Under-20s international made his first team debut in 2014, and has now made 85 appearances, either side of a one year stint at the Dragons.
Belcher has been one of the form hookers in Wales in recent seasons, establishing himself as a first team regular and frequently captaining the club during the 2023-24 season.
He was made club captain ahead of the 2024-25 season, succeeding Josh Turnbull, and returned from a thumb injury last weekend against Toyota Cheetahs, producing a typically industrious display.
He said: “I’m really happy and grateful to extend my stay at Cardiff – the club I have come through since I was 15-years-old.
“I am enjoying my rugby and feel like we are building something here and heading in the right direction. I want to remain a part of that process and believe we can put the club in a stronger position and begin competing for silverware.”