Rhys Carré has pledged his future to Cardiff Rugby after penning a new deal with his hometown club.
The giant loose-head came through the ranks at Cardiff and returned to the Arms Park in 2020 following a season with Saracens.
Carré’s existing contract was due to run out in the summer but he has reaffirmed his commitment to the capital city with this new deal.
The 23-year-old admits it was a straightforward decision to make and he is now relishing the opportunity to continue his development in blue and black.
He said: “It’s great to agree the new contract early and I’m really pleased to be staying at Cardiff, which is my home club and the team I supported growing up.
“I’ve really enjoyed the season so far and feel like we are heading in the right direction under Dai Young. We play an enjoyable brand of rugby, which suits my game and it’s also a great environment to be a part of and contribute towards.
“The competition for places is continually intensifying, which keeps us striving, and the signings made so far only demonstrates the ambition of the club.
“It is a really exciting place to be at the moment and it is great that I can continue to be a part of that. I’m really looking forward to driving things forward both individually and as a team.”
Carré has enjoyed an impressive season so far, making six appearances for Cardiff and a further three for Wales during the Autumn Nations Series.
That has taken his tally to 41 in blue and black and 16 international caps and Cardiff Director of Rugby believes it is just the beginning.
Young said: “We’re delighted to re-sign Rhys, who has an enormous future in the game and is only getting better.
“He came in this season in great shape, has worked really hard on all aspects of his game and we’ve seen the fruits of that labour. After everything that has happened in the last two months, we’re looking forward to seeing him get back to that level and more.
“He is still a young man, particularly as an international prop, and he will continue to grow, develop and mature in the front row.
“The competition at loose head is keeping Rhys on his toes and that’s what we want across the squad. We are building a strong group and Rhys will be a vital player for us as we move forwards.”