Evans signs long-term contract at Cardiff Blues

WALES fly-half Jarrod Evans has signed a new long-term contract with Cardiff Blues.

The No.10 was said to be attracting strong interest from more than one English club but has put pen to paper on fresh terms at the Arms Park.

He will face competition from Rhys Priestland next season but having been impressed by Dai Youngs’ impact in the Welsh capital, Evans says he’s made the right decision for his career.

He said: “It’s great to sign a new contact and I’m really happy to be staying here at Cardiff Blues, especially at such an exciting time.

“This is obviously my home team, I have grown up here and come through with a lot of these boys, who I also call good friends. I absolutely love playing at the Arms Park, but it was also important to make the right decision for my career.

“I have been really impressed with the impact Dai has made and I’m excited by the coaching team he is assembling and the direction he wants to go. I’m confident that this is the right environment for me to continue learning and developing as a player.

“With Rhys Priestland coming in there will be increased competition for places and that will be brilliant in terms of driving standards and performances, while I am also looking forward to bouncing ideas off each other and learning from his experience.

“This is a squad with a lot of potential and I am sure there is a lot more to come from us under the guidance of Dai. That is something I want to be a part of and I’m now just really looking forward to seeing how we can progress and challenge in the years to come.”

Young added: “You always want to keep hold of your best players and Jarrod is certainly one of them so it is an important re-signing for us.

“We all know how talented Jarrod is and the ability he has, particularly with ball in hand, but the challenge now is to continue to improve his all round game and experience in a key position.

“With Rhys Priestland coming on board, we will have two international fly-halves and that is the kind of strength in depth we want throughout the squad. It also takes some of the pressure off Jarrod, in terms of our reliance on him, while I am sure they will learn a huge amount from each other.

“He has a massive future in the game and is a young man who is passionate about this club and will be a vital player for us as we move forward.”