Blaine Scully has handed Cardiff Blues a boost by signing a new long-term contract to remain in the Welsh capital.
The USA captain’s existing deal was due to expire in the summer but he is the latest in a long line of players to commit his future to the Blues.
Scully joined the region ahead of the 2015-16 season and quickly established himself as both a crowd favourite and a key leader within the rugby environment.
He has made 35 appearances to date and is delighted to remain at the iconic Cardiff Arms Park for years to come, especially with so much potential within the ranks.
Scully, 29, said: “I feel very fortunate and proud to call myself a Cardiff Blue. Over the past three years, Cardiff has become a second home – a fantastic place to live and play.
“My teammates are a talented playing group, committed and competitive. We have an exciting core of young talent coming through our ranks so the future is bright.
“It is a true honor to put on the jersey, run out onto the pitch and play in front of our great fans and passionate community. I am committed to helping the Blues reach its potential as both a team and region.”
Scully is the fifth player to put pen to paper so far this season and chief executive Richard Holland believes it was important to retain such a key figure within the squad.
Holland said: “The rugby department cannot speak highly enough of Blaine for his leadership, commitment and professionalism.
“He has become a really important member of our playing squad and it was vital that we secured his services moving forward.
“It is great that Blaine has committed himself, and feels so passionately about Cardiff Blues, and we are hopeful that several other players will follow his lead by signing new contracts in the coming weeks.”