Loosehead prop Brad Thyer has signed a new contract with Cardiff Blues after properly breaking into the first team.
The 26-year-old made 18 appearances in all competitions this year, announcing himself as a serious competitor in the battle for the number one jersey.
An academy graduate, he has come through the development pathway and played for both Pontypridd and Cardiff in the Principality Premiership.
He burst onto the scene in the 2016/17 season but a nasty injury suffered away in Glasgow saw him suffer what was technically a mini stroke following a blood clot.
However, he has made a full recovery to impress with his scrummaging, as well as his technical ability over the ball in defence, becoming a matchday 23 regular.
Speaking to the Cardiff Blues officially website, Thyer said, “I’m extremely happy to sign a new deal with my home region. I have progressed through the age-grades and spent the last few years training and playing with so many good friends.
“There’s superb competition in the front-row and that is only a positive for any player’s development. The opportunity, in recent years, to learn from such experienced players like Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees and Taufa’ao Filise has helped me to get where I am.
“I’m now excited about the future with the group of players we have here and continuing to work hard with my teammates and coaches to continue my development.”