Yapp has made 83 appearances for the Cardiff Blues and Director of Coaching David Young expressed his delight at securing the Wales international’s services.
“John is very much part of our future plans here at Cardiff Blues. He has shown that he has the strength and ability to compete at the highest level,” he said.
“He has a fantastic work ethic and his performances so far this season have been first rate. He’s shown in matches against the English clubs that he can mix it with the big players in the English Premiership and we are delighted that he has extended his contract.”
Yapp, 24, made his Cardiff debut against Ebbw Vale on Boxing Day in 2002 aged 18. He soon graduated to the Blues squad and won the Supporters’ Club Most Improved Player of the Year in 2003-2004 and 2004-2005.
Yapp won his first cap for Wales as a substitute in the victory over England in the RBS 6 Nations in February 2005. He went on to play in all five games of the victorious 2005 Grand Slam campaign as well as touring Argentina with Wales in 2006.
He was a contender for Wales’s 2007 Six Nations squad but ruptured his cruciate knee ligament during the Blues’ New Year’s Day 29-10 win over Llanelli Scarlets at the Arms Park and was sidelined for the remainer of the season.
However, his return to full fitness and series of strong performances in a Blues jersey has earned him an extended contract.
