Cardiff Blues are delighted to announce Wales international scrum half Lloyd Williams has pledged his long-term future to the region on his return from the Rugby World Cup by signing a new deal.

Exciting back Williams – who impressed for Wales throughout the showpiece tournament and was pivotal in the epic victory over England at Twickenham – has been a standout and key performer at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park since making his debut in 2010.

The dynamic 25-year-old remains one of the most exciting talents in the Welsh game and is now closing in on a century of appearances for Cardiff Blues.

He joins the likes of Josh Navidi and Josh Turnbull in signing a new contract at Cardiff Blues.

Williams was in sensational form for Cardiff Blues last season, finishing the top try scorer with 11 scores in 25 appearances in all competition.

The former Cowbridge Comprehensive student has also made a big impact on the international stage featuring for Wales Under-20s in the 2009 Junior World Championships and on the Wales Sevens circuit.

Williams made his senior international debut against Argentina during the 2011 Rugby World Cup and was part of the Wales team that won the Grand Slam in 2012 and defended the title in the 2013 Six Nations.

The Cardiff-born back has made a total of 24 appearances for Wales.

Head Coach Danny Wilson said: “Lloyd is an exciting and talented scrum half who has that X-factor so we are naturally thrilled he has signed new terms with us.

“He’s a perfect example of a Cardiff boy who has come through the system here at Cardiff Blues and who wants to be part of what we are building and compete for the jersey.

“Lloyd is an international class player, something he repeatedly proved at the recent Rugby World Cup, and I think he has a big future for both Cardiff Blues and Wales.”

Williams said: “I’m really pleased to have agreed the new contract. I feel like things are going in the right direction and I’m looking forward to being part of that.

“Since coming back from the Rugby World Cup, it has been really refreshing to be part of the new environment which Danny (Wilson) has implemented.

“Danny has come in and made changes for the better and it looks promising for the future. We know it isn’t going to happen overnight, but I’m looking forward to playing a big part in changing things here.

“It was great to see Josh Navidi and Josh Turnbull committing to the region earlier on this season and I want to be part of that journey.

“On a personal level, it’s been a fantastic 12 months for me, getting back on form and being part of the Rugby World Cup,” he added.

“Everyone says international honours come when you play well for your region and that is that I looked to last year.

“I’m now looking to improving on that form all the time and feel Cardiff Blues is the right environment for me to do that long-term.”