Rhys Litterick has been rewarded with a new long-term contract following his breakthrough season at Cardiff Arms Park.
The tight-head prop, who is Welsh qualified through his father, joined Cardiff from Harlequins last summer and was quickly thrust into action.
He featured in the first 12 games of the season until a thumb injury suffered against Racing 92 put him on the sidelines.
But the 25-year-old is now back fit and looking forward to his future in Blue and Black following an unbelievable first year in Wales.
He said: “I’m really pleased to extend my stay at Cardiff. I’ve enjoyed working with this group of boys and working under Jockey, and the rest of the coaches and backroom team.
“I feel like we are building something really good here and I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve as we continue to develop as a group.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunities Cardiff have already given me, it’s an environment I feel I’ve really progressed in as an individual and I’m confident I will continue to do so.”
Litterick was a late-comer to professional rugby and did not come through a traditional academy route but he was picked up by Harlequins while playing for Worthing.
He impressed on trial and made six appearances for the English outfit before making the switch to Cardiff.
Injuries to Keiron Assiratti and Ciaran Parker, left Litterick as the club’s front line tight-head and he impressed throughout.
Litterick held his own against the likes of Vodacom Bulls, Toulouse and Bath, and claimed a match-winning try against DHL Stormers.
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt has been impressed with form of Litterick and believes he will only get better in the Welsh capital.
He added: “We have all been really pleased with the impact Rhys has had at the club in his first season.
“From the start of pre-season, he went about his work quietly impressing us and he has continued that through the campaign
“He is a quality technical scrummager, who has held his own against some top packs and works hard for the team.
“He is also a good person, who has fitted into our environment really well, and will continue to progress.”