Ellis Jenkins signs contract extensions with Wales’ Capital Region, Cardiff Blues.

Openside flanker Jenkins, who’s made 83 appearances for Cardiff Blues since making his debut in 2011, has put pen to paper on a new deal at the Arms Park following on from his fellow academy products Macauley Cook and Lloyd Williams who signed the week previous.

Jenkins was pleased to commit his future to the Blues and is now focused on returning to action in the coming weeks.

“I’ve come through the Cardiff Blues system, it’s a region I’m very passionate about and I’m really optimistic about the future,” said 24-year-old Jenkins.

“It’s been great seeing so many of the other boys signing new deals and you only need to look at the likes of Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies and Owen Lane to see the talent coming through.

“I feel this is the best environment for me to continue improving and the competition for places in the back-row can only be beneficial to us all.”

“I’m now looking forward to getting back on the pitch and contributing as much as I can in the second half of the season.”

Jenkins has become an increasingly influential figure at the Arms Park.

The former Wales U20s captain has led the Blues on several occasions and was rewarded for his fine regional form with a place on Wales’ 2016 summer tour to New Zealand. Cardiff Blues chief executive Richard Holland said: “It was always a main priority for us to retain the services of Ellis.

“He is a key figure and leader for us both on and off the pitch and will be instrumental in driving our rugby department going forward.

“He exudes all the qualities you would expect in a leader and is another example of a young, home grown player to have come through our pathway.

“It came as no surprise that there was rival interest in his signature but we are delighted he is staying at the Arms Park and are looking forward to seeing him back in action, and doing what he does best in the coming weeks.”

“I’m now looking forward to getting back on the pitch and contributing as much as I can in the second half of the season.”