Alfie and TR Sign On

Gareth Thomas and Rhys Thomas have both joined Leigh Halfpenny in signing contract extensions with the Cardiff Blues. The Welsh trio have all been crucial in the Blues unbeaten Heineken Cup run, and their commitment comes as a welcome boost to an already buoyant Blues.

As reported on this site on Sunday, hotly-tipped ‘wonderkid', Leigh halfpenny, has put pen to paper on a 2-year extension with the Capitol region. Following some stunning performances for his club side, the 20 year old was called up to the Welsh squad and featured against New Zealand in the Autumn Internationals.

He's also been integral to Cardiff's unbeaten Heineken and EDF Cup runs, and they look to score some silverware. Following the sides performance in their narrow victory at Kingsholm, Halfpenny spoke out about his enjoyment with his current employer;

"We went down to 14 men and played like that for more than 50 minutes, we dug in and that is what the Blues are all about. We play for each other and the team spirit is really strong at the moment. I am trying to take it game by game and take in everything which has happened, but inside I am buzzing. The Blues is just an outstanding team to be around. When I came into the squad the players all welcomed me with open arms and they didn't make me feel like the new boy or feel that I shouldn't be here. They are a great bunch of guys and we just keep plugging away. Hopefully we can go all the way in Europe now."

Indeed his statements come as a testament to Dai Young, who has created a very health atmosphere at the region. The commitment to want to win for one another has been evident, particularly in the away fixtures at Biarritz and Gloucester, putting everything onto every tackle, and celebrating as a team at the end.

I believe it's this ethos that has brought the best out of a few players, particularly Andy Powell, Jason Spice (who recently spoke to the Echo about how much he'd like to stay with Cardiff) and indeed youth players like Halfpenny, Roberts and Bradley Davies.

Dai Young spoke of the news, telling CarduiffBlues.com,

"Leigh is another product of the Blues academy in Treforest and we have been delighted with his form for us this season having taken the step up to regional rugby. He has played in some big games for us already this season and nothing seems to faze him. He is an exciting player to watch and the type of player who gets the crowd on the edge of their seats, and he is still a young man who is eager to learn. I'm sure he has a bright future with both the Blues and Wales. He is very much part of our squad as we look to build on the progress we have made over recent years."

Fellow back, Gareth Thomas, has also signed a new deal, the former Welsh and Lion's captain has signed on for a further year on the same pay-as-you-play contract as he's currently enjoying. Alfie has been ever present for the big matches this season, and the contract is fair reward for 5 tries and numerous outstanding performances.

Dai Young praised Gareth for his exceptional professionalism and commitment to the region,

"His experience in big matches has been invaluable to us and he has really helped bring on some of the younger players in the squad. He has kept himself in great condition and even in the autumn of his career he still has that hunger for the game, which is great to see a real example to the other players."

His namesake Rhys Thomas has also resigned, the Welsh hooker getting a 2 year deal which will see him in Blue until at least the end of  the 2011 season. Thomas Rhys Thomas, his full name, celebrated his new deal in style on Friday night, scoring a brace after coming on as a second sub against Calvisano.

The trio join Bradley Davies (3 Years), Andy Powell (3 Years), Gary Powell (2 Years) and Ritchie Rees (2 Years) in committing their future to the Heineken Cup Quarter Finalists.