Rising star Shane happy to sign new Blues deal
SHANE Lewis-Hughes celebrated a man-of-the-match performance in Cardiff Blues’ Guinness PRO14 derby victory over the Ospreys with a new long-term contract.
The back-row forward has enjoyed a breakthrough season, featuring in every game including Saturday’s 19-16 triumph at the Liberty Stadium – the Blues’ first in the league since 2005.
Lewis-Hughes, who was included in Wayne Pivac’s first Wales squad, signed his first senior contract last season but has now agreed a new long-term deal.
The 22-year-old has now made 28 appearances since making his senior debut during the 2016-17 season.
He is pleased to pledge his future to his home region, having progressed Rhondda Schools and Cardiff Blues system to senior honours, and now he is determined to kick on further.
Lewis-Hughes said: “I’ve been really pleased with this season so far and I’m delighted to commit my future to my home region.
“I’ve always wanted to play for Cardiff Blues, it is where all my friends play, and we are heading in the right direction with a lot of young talent complimented by experience.
“My aim is to be the very best and achieve everything I can at the highest level. I realise how lucky I am to do what I do every day and that’s what motivates me to get better every single day.
“I am now looking forward to turning our attention to the Dragons on Boxing Day and finishing 2019 on a high.”
Cardiff Blues head coach John Mulvihill believes it is just reward for not only the flanker’s on field form but his relentless desire to succeed.
Mulvihill said: “Shane has been one of our standout performers of the season, bringing an enormous work-rate and physicality on a consistent basis.
“He was fully deserving of his manof-the-match award against the Ospreys and it was just his latest accolade having been included in the last Wales squad.
“He is one of our most dedicated, diligent and driven players with huge potential. If Shane continues to work hard and progress as he is then he has a very successful career in front of him.
“We are delighted to secure his services for many seasons to come and hope to announce some more resignings in the weeks ahead.”
■ SCRUM-half Rhodri Williams has signed a new deal to commit his future to the Dragons. Williams, who has made 35 appearances for Dragons since joining from Bristol in 2018, has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract. The 26-year-old, who has captained the team this season, joins Ollie Griffiths in signing new terms at Rodney Parade.