Jenkins staying at Cardiff Blues

Editor

Cardiff Blues have announced that Wales and British and Irish Lions loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins has signed a new contract at the region.

Jenkins – currently part of the Welsh set-up for the Six Nations – has put pen to paper on a new deal to remain at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park until at least 2017.

The front-rower will now feature in his twelfth season at Cardiff Blues, having made his debut for the region back in 2004 against Leinster.

The 35-year-old has gone onto to play 164 games for Cardiff Blues, during two spells, and has scored eight tries.

Jenkins was part of the Challenge Cup winning team of 2010 and victorious Anglo-Welsh Cup winning side of 2009, with the consistent prop becoming a cornerstone of the pack at Cardiff Blues over the last decade.

Jenkins has also shone on the international stage, since making his Wales debut in 2002 against Romania.

He has gone onto become Wales' most capped international with 126 Test appearances, winning Grand Slams in 2005, 2008 and 2012 and a Six Nations title most recently in 2013.

"We are naturally very pleased that Gethin has signed a new contract to extend his career at Cardiff Blues," said head coach Danny Wilson.

"Gethin is a vastly experienced prop who demands the highest standards from himself and those around him and has excelled at both regional and international level over the last decade.

"There will be real competition for the loosehead prop jersey in our squad next season with the likes of Gethin and Rhys Gill.

"Gethin will also be the ideal role model and mentor for the talented young players within our squad and those coming through our system and who we believe have a bright future with us."