Josh Turnbull pens Cardiff Blues extension

Josh Turnbull has pledged his future to Cardiff Blues with a new long-term deal at the Arms Park.

The versatile forward joined Wales’ Capital Region in 2014 after making 130 appearances during a seven-year period at the Scarlets.

He is in line to make his 131st appearance for Cardiff Blues in Friday’s New Year’s derby against his former side and is delighted to extend his stay in the capital.

The 31-year-old said: “I’m really happy to have agreed this extension to stay at the club for the next few years. I’ve had a few conversations with John Mulvihill recently and he was keen to keep me here. I really want to be part of what we are building moving forward so it was a no-brainer.

“I’ve been here six years now and have made 130 appearances. I’m really enjoying it and it is great to see all of the young boys coming through and establishing themselves.

“These young players and the competition for places, whether in the back-row or second-row, keeps me motivated and on my toes. I just want to keep driving the standards here.

“I have versatility on my side and that is definitely a benefit with all the competition. But I just want to be on the pitch. Whether that’s wearing 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, I am more than happy to do what I can for the team.”

Turnbull follows Shane Lewis-Hughes in penning a new contract at Cardiff Arms Park, as John Mulvihill continues to retain a core of his squad.

The Wales international has featured in every game this season, playing more minutes than any other player in the squad, and Mulvihill has paid tribute to his consistency of performance.

Mulvihill added: “Josh is one of the most consistent performers in our squad and we’re delighted to secure him to a new long-term contract.

“Whether in the second-row or back-row you know you are going to get nothing less than 100 per cent from him. He gets through an enormous amount of work, is really durable and is also one of the main leaders in our pack.

“He’s a superb role model and it’s vital that we have senior figures like JT in our group as we continue to blood and develop young talent. He’s played a huge amount of rugby here and we’re looking forward to having him at the Blues for many more.”