Gethin Set to Re-sign

Wales and British Lions prop, Gethin Jenkins looks set to re-sign with the Cardiff Blues. The 28 year old is widely regarded as one of the best in the world in his position, and has been high in demand for some time.

Jenkins arrived at the Cardiff Blues in 2004, following the demise of the Celtic Warriors, but since then he has come from strength to strength under head coach Dai Young and has started 5 from the past 6 British Lions tests - the last of which he missed through injury.

Having hailed from Beddau within the Blues region, Gethin has become a huge fan favourite following some magnificent and consistent performances, particularly over the past 12 months including a Man of the Match performance in the 9-6 HEC QF win over Toulouse.

However fans were dealt a big blow in April this year when Gethin spoke of his desire to play abroad. He told WalesOnline,

"You always think about playing in other countries and some of the money they are throwing around in France is silly. I'm happy to stay, but you never know what will crop up in six months time or how you'll be feeling then. The biggest disappointment for me would be if we didn't build on this season, if we didn't sign quality players and, at the same time, lost a lot of our team. That would be frustrating for all the players. Hopefully, they will prove to be as good as the lads we are losing."

But it now looks as though Young has done enough to convince Jenkins that his future lays at the Blues, with a close source telling BBC Sport that he is close to agreeing a new 2 year deal.

Should he put pen to paper on a new contract, it would be as good if not better than any potential new signing, and would provide the region with a massive boost ahead of their move to the Cardiff City Stadium.

In related news, both Gethin and Martyn Williams came through surgery unscathed yesterday (25/07), and have even been told they could be back sooner than expected. The pair had been told they would be out of action until October, missing the opening rounds of the Heineken Cup, but there now appears a glimmer of hope that they could yet feature.

Meanwhile, Tom James has also undergone his surgery on both his groin and shoulder - injuries he carried for the entirety of last season. He's not expected back until late October, but the Blues have signed Dafydd James to cover the hotly tipped 22 year old.