Cardiff Rugby have landed a hat-trick of front-row re-signings with newly-capped Keiron Assiratti committing his future to the Blue and Blacks.
The tight-head prop impressed on debut for Wales as they secured a 20-9 World Cup warm-up victory over England, to cap a memorable season.
With new deals for Corey Domachowski and Liam Belcher confirmed in recent days, Assiratti joins his teammates to complete the Rhondda front-row at Cardiff Arms Park.
The trio started the last five games of the season as a front-row unit and enjoyed some impressive performances, most notably in the European Challenge Cup victory over Sale Sharks and the Judgement Day triumph over the Ospreys.
Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt said: “It’s great that Azza has signed a new contract with the club and we are all looking forward to seeing his continued progression in blue and black.
“His basics around his set piece are excellent and he has a point of difference in terms of his skills and game understanding that sets him apart.
“To see him make his debut on the weekend was a proud moment for his family and the club and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve this summer.
“I’m sure his inclusion in the Welsh squad will now make him realise his potential as an outstanding tight head”.
Assiratti is the youngest of the front-row trio to re-sign at 26, and made his first team debut during the 2016-17 campaign.
Another graduate of the Rhondda Schools and Cardiff Rugby North pathway, Assiratti has now made 64 first team appearances and has formed a reputation as a powerful and technical scrummager.
He added: “I’m delighted to stay at Cardiff and get a deal done. I’ve always wanted to play for Cardiff and I am privileged that I’ve done that. Now I just want to carry on playing and improving.
“It was a good end to the season and I’ve enjoyed that run of games, which was really good for me. I’ve had to bide my time but I think I’ve done well when I’ve played and I’ve enjoyed it as well.
“Next season I just want to play as much rugby as I can, enjoy it and hopefully win matches.”