Jarrod Evans commits to Cardiff

Jarrod Evans is determined to take his game to the next level after penning a new long-term contract at Cardiff Blues.

The exciting fly-half was due to come out of contract in the summer and attracted interest from elsewhere but will remain at Cardiff Arms Park after pledging his allegiance to Dai Young’s side.

Evans, who has progressed through the Cardiff Blues ranks since he was 14-years-old, is delighted to agree new terms with his home team and is now looking forward to an exciting future.

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.”

Evans made his senior debut against Glasgow Warriors in 2015, having previously represented Cardiff Blues and Wales throughout the age-grades.

The former Coleg y Cymoedd pupil continued to gain valuable game-time with Pontypridd before enjoying a breakthrough 2017-18 season.

That culminated in winning the European Challenge Cup with Evans pulling on the number 10 jersey throughout and his fine form was recognised with the 2018 Discover and Players’ Player of the Year awards.

The 24-year-old has gone on to firmly establish himself as a key figure with 88 appearances and 508 points to his name, while he has also now won six Wales caps.

Days after signing a long-term contract as director of rugby, Young is pleased to confirm another of his key players is staying at the Arms Park.

He 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.”