Planet Rugby

Cardiff duo extend contracts

16th January 2013 11:07

Marc Breeze Cardiff Blues v Toulon Heineken Cup Pool Six Cardiff Arms Park

New deal: Marc Breeze

Hooker, Marc Breeze, who joined Cardiff Blues from Aberavon RFC in October 2011, signs new contract with the region

Having started his career at blindside flanker, Marc played in the back row for Wales at U16 level, captaining the side. However, Breeze converted to hooker under the guidance of former Wales hooker, Garin Jenkins, where he went on to earn caps at U19 and U20 level, forming part of the 2006 Grand Slam Junior World Cup side alongside current team mates James Down, Bradley Davies and Lou Reed.

On his signing and subsequent contract extension Marc Breeze comments on his enjoyment playing with the Welsh Capital side,

"When I received the phone call last October to be part of the Cardiff Blues team I could not have asked for more. I had played against the boys regularly and played with some of them through the age grades, so I fitted in quite quickly," said Breeze.

"I played twenty-seven games in thirteen months and also played my first Heineken Cup matches with the Cardiff Blues, which has been great for me.

"The facilities at the Blues are the best in Wales. You can't compare them with the ones at some of the other clubs that I have been to. Everything is in one location, which makes it so much easier. There's no interruption to training and the kitchen is on site, which makes it all very easy to manage our nutritional intake."

"There is a good set of boys here and great values. We work really hard for each other. We have a young team and if we keep it going we will benefit from it in a year or so.

Beddau born and bred, scrum half Lewis Jones spent his early days playing for his school and for his local club at junior and youth level. While studying at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen, Lewis was called up to the Blues age grade squads from under 16's through to under 18's. Whilst studying at Pencoed College, Jones also joined the Bridgend WRU College League side during his two years in sixth-form.

After an impressive season in the Principality Premiership and a key player in Wales' Under 20 squad, Jones was invited back into the Blues Academy a year later, before signing with the Blues senior side for the 2012/13 season.

"Obviously there is a lot of us coming up through the Blues at the moment and we are getting a lot of experience early on in our careers, which hopefully will benefit us as individuals and also as a squad," said Jones.

"It makes you feel at home playing with boys your own age. I played with Harry Robinson, Macauley Cooke, Ellis Jenkins, Owen Williams and Tom Young at the Junior World Cup two years ago, and that helped me settle this year. Then there are the Welsh internationals who have a lot of experience and are ready to help.

"It's an exciting time to be involved at the Blues so I'm glad to have signed a contract extension."

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