Cardiff Blues have formally announced that their current captain, who has played 129 times for Wales and five times for the British & Irish Lions, will extend his stay at the region beyond his 38th birthday in November and into his 14th campaign with his home town team.
“I’m happy to sign a new deal with Cardiff Blues. I have been here for virtually all of my career and I’m enjoying captaining the boys and driving standards within the group,” said Jenkins, who has played 11 games this season.
“Moving away was never really an option for me, so it is good to get it done and stay at the Arms Park. There is a great feeling and team spirit around the place at the moment and I really want to remain part of that. I’ve been pleased with my form since returning from a couple of injuries at the beginning of the season and feel I can continue to make a strong contribution on and off the pitch.
“I have had good conversations with John Mulvihill, who will succeed Danny Wilson in the summer, and I’m looking forward to next season, and a continuing part of my role and responsibility here is to help develop some of the exciting front-row talent we have at the club, while still competing for my place.
“There is still plenty to play for this season and I am determined to finish the season on a high by qualifying for the European Champions Cup and going as far as we can in Challenge Cup.”
Throughout his Cardiff Blues career, Jenkins has made 193 appearances, scoring eight tries. He was part of both the EDF Energy Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup winning sides and won the Heineken Cup with RC Toulon during his one season away.
“Gethin is an important member of the Cardiff Blues squad, an outstanding professional and has a wealth of experience. His recent form has proved he still has plenty to offer,” said Blues CEO, Richard Holland.
“He has spoken to John Mulvihill on a number of occasions and he has been impressed with both his form and leadership within the group.”
