Hewitt agrees new Cardiff deal

Cardiff Blues centre Dafydd Hewitt will bring up a decade of service next season after completing a new contract with the Arms Park outfit.

The Cardiff-born 28-year-old boasts an impressive 118 appearances for the Blues since his debut back in 2006 against Edinburgh.

Hewitt's signature bucks the trend of Cardiff stars seeking French moves, with back-rower Luke Hamilton completing a deal to join Agen on Monday.

Leigh Halfpenny and Ian Evans are heading to Toulon this summer, with Jonathan Davies off to Clermont and Chris Czekaj joining Colomiers.

Wales Under-21 cap Hewitt has bucked the trend however, and said he never considered leaving his hometown club.

"I'm looking forward to the next few years and working with the quality of players we have here," said the Blues' vice-captain.

"It was the right decision for me and I can see the potential here. The likes of Cory Allen and Owen Williams in the centre, Sam Hobbs in the front row, Lewis Jones at scrum-half, I could go on and on.

"It's my club, I'm from here and I want to help the Blues really achieve something special."

Blues defence coach Dale McIntosh hailed Hewitt's decision to stay put.

"We are delighted that Dafydd will remain at the Blues and continue to be an important part of our squad and future planning," he said.

"Dafydd is not only a great player but also real team man and servant to this region.

"He always gives absolutely everything when he steps onto the field and I know he is determined to play a big role over the coming years."