Cardiff skipper signs contract extension

NEWS: Cardiff captain Liam Belcher has signed a contract extension at the Arms Park.

The dynamic hooker had a year remaining on his existing deal but has extended that further to reaffirm his commitment to the club.

Belcher is the first of several players who have extended or signed new deals, to be announced in the coming days, as Cardiff continues to build from a foundation of homegrown players.

Head coach Matt Sherratt was thrilled to extend the 28-year-old’s contract and believes his leadership is crucial to the future of the club.

He said: “He was an obvious choice as captain, following the retirement of Josh Turnbull, and continues to lead by example both on and off the pitch.

“Technically, he is very good and this is combined with a detailed understanding of the game, his explosive athleticism, and his ability on both sides of the ball.

The Wales Under-20s international made his first team debut in 2014 and has now made 85 appearances, either side of a one-year stint at the Dragons.

Belcher has been one of the form hookers in Wales in recent seasons, establishing himself as a first-team regular and frequently captaining the club during the 2023-24 season.

He was made club captain ahead of the 2024-25 season, succeeding Josh Turnbull, and returned from a thumb injury last weekend against Cheetahs, producing a typically industrious display.

He said: “I’m really happy and grateful to extend my stay at Cardiff – the club I have come through since I was 15 years old.

“I am enjoying my rugby and feel like we are building something here and heading in the right direction. I want to remain a part of that process and believe we can put the club in a stronger position and begin competing for silverware.”