Keiron Assiratti has pledged his future to Cardiff Blues by signing his first senior contract with the region.
The highly-rated tight-head prop has already racked up 25 first team appearances, having made his debut during the 2016-17 season.
He has made six appearances to date in the current campaign, while also turning out for Cardiff Blues A and Pontypridd.
And having through the ranks of Wattstown and Treorchy before progressing to the Rhondda Schools programme and then the Cardiff Blues academy, he is delighted to remain with his home region.
Assiratti said: “I’m really happy to sign a new deal at Cardiff Blues. I’ve come all the way through the age-grades here, it’s my home region and I have a lot of friends here.
“There is great competition for places in the front-row, which is only a positive for my development and the coaches are not afraid to give young players opportunities.
“I’m really excited about the future at the Blues and I’m determined to do everything I can to secure a regular first team place.”
Assiratti has represented Wales through all the age-grades where he has forged a reputation as not only a devastating scrummager but a mobile and skilful ball-carrier.
He is one of several promising front-row forwards coming through the ranks at Cardiff Blues with Dillon Lewis, Corey Domachowski and Rhys Carré all under the age of 23.
John Mulvihill has been hugely impressed by the young talent coming through at Cardiff Blues and believes Assiratti has a bright future at the Arms Park.
Mulvihill said: “Keiron has had some big moments with the first team this season particularly doing very well in his Heineken Champions Cup games against Lyon.
“He is a great competitor both in training and in games and continues to improve his set piece skill working with Dillion Lewis, Dmitri Arhip and Scott Andrews.
“He’s most definitely a player with a big future at the Cardiff Blues and in time internationally providing he remains focused and continues his hard work.”