Centres Harri Millard and Garyn Smith have put pen to paper on new long-term contracts to remain at the BT Sports Cardiff Arms Park. Dynamic centre Millard who made his regional debut against Ulster in 2016, has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Wales’ Capital Region, in which he has made 13 appearances.
“It was an easy decision to stay at Cardiff Blues,” he said.
“All of my friends are here, there are some really classy players and I’ve played quite a lot of rugby this season.
“There’s really good competition in the centre, which is great for the squad. We all train well and are desperate to keep each other out of the jersey so it’s really good for the team and also our own personal development.
“I knew I had to take my opportunity earlier this season and it has been great to play in some massive games and against world-renowned players. Hopefully there will be more of the same next season. The future is really bright, I’m looking forward to playing with the boys for a few more years and hopefully contributing to a successful season next year.”
Smith, who can play centre or wing, has made 81 appearances for the Cardiff Blues. The 23-year-old has become a regular first-team member since making his debut in 2014 and played a crucial role in last season’s European Challenge Cup triumph.
“This is my home region, I have come through the ranks here and I was excited to get the contract signed,” he said.
I’m very happy and it ties in with my studies at the University of South Wales really well.
“The majority of the boys have come through the Cardiff Blues pathway and I was fortunate to play with the likes of Jarrod (Evans), Tomos (Williams), Dillon (Lewis) and Ethan (Lewis) right the way through. When you are playing, training and working with your mates, it doesn’t feel like a job.
“The competition in the centre has been great for me. Harri has come through this year and added to that. We are all really pushing each other because everyone wants that starting jersey and nobody wants to give it up.
“Winning the Challenge Cup last year is obviously a highlight of my career and I was delighted I could do my bit for the team. Now I am really excited about the future.
“We want to remain in the Heineken Cup, to continue building as a group and competing in every game. We have the squad to do that, everyone believes in themselves and we have shown we can beat anyone on our day.”
