Josh Navidi has been one of the stars of the 2019 Guinness Six Nations and the Wales back-rower has capped a perfect month with a new contract for club side Cardiff Blues.
Navidi made his Wales debut back in 2013 and although he had to wait more than four years for his second cap, he has established himself as a pivotal part of Warren Gatland’s side during this year’s Championship.
After helping Wales complete a storming second-half comeback against France in Round One, he was named Guinness Man of the Match while playing at No.8 in the 26-15 triumph over Italy a week later.
The 28-year-old then returned to flanker for the blockbuster Round Three clash against England as his side came out on top in the battle of the unbeaten sides – fighting to a 21-13 win to take control of the 2019 Guinness Six Nations.
Navidi made his senior debut with the Blues in 2010 and has racked up 169 total appearances for the region, scoring 21 tries.
The new deal ensures his stint in the Welsh capital will extend beyond a decade and he is excited by the challenge.
“It’s nice to get another contract signed,” he said. “Everything is going well here and looking positive for the future, so I was more than happy to sign on the dotted line.
“This new contract takes me beyond ten years at Cardiff Blues. This place has been massive for me and got me to where I wanted in my career.
“We’ve had some tough times and have had to dig in at but after seeing the boys lift the European Challenge Cup in 2009, and to then play a part and lifting it last year was brilliant.
“I’m very happy here and hopefully we can achieve like last year and keep pushing forward in the Guinness PRO14.”
With his club future secured, Navidi can now focus on the rest of the 2019 Guinness Six Nations – where Wales travel to BT Murrayfield to face Scotland next weekend before finishing up with a potential Championship-decider against Ireland in Cardiff.
They are trying to win their first Championship title since 2013, in Gatland’s final Guinness Six Nations as coach.
