Rhys Barratt has been rewarded for another impressive season with a new long-term contract at Cardiff Rugby. 

The loose-head prop scooped the Breakthrough Player of the Season last May, and he has continued his rapid rise in Blue & Black. 

Since making his debut during the 2022-23 season, he has run out 23 times, establishing himself as a key member of the first team squad. 

Corniel van Zyl has been impressed with Barratt’s impact since breaking into the first team squad and believes there is plenty more to come.

Van Zyl said: “Since I have known Rhys, he has developed really well in terms of what we want and expect from a loose-head at Cardiff.

“As a young man, particularly in terms of props, his biggest work on is the set-piece and he is continually improving in that area but what sets him apart is his overall intent. The way he goes after players and teams is brilliant.

“He has a great mindset and willingness to learn and improve every day, but also to give his absolute all for the team. 

“His rugby intelligence is also very good and with age and more time in this environment, he can continue to improve physically. He can be stronger, more powerful and explosive.

“We are delighted to keep him here. He is a great person, he has excelled and taken every opportunity and has a very bright future.” 

The 24-year-old is a product of Llantwit Fadre RFC and has progressed right through the Cardiff Rugby pathway. 

He has starred for Wales Under-20s and has previously been called in to train with the Wales senior squad. 

Barratt has been pleased with his continued progression and is determined to kick onto the next level both individually and collectively. 

An easy decision

He said: “It was an easy decision to sign a new contract at Cardiff. In terms of the pro game, this is my home club, it means a huge amount to me and I am excited by what we can achieve in the next few years.

“I have been really pleased with the past couple of years and my continued development here. It is a great group with some brilliant players I can learn from and compete with.

“I am really hungry to continue that development and Cardiff is definitely the right environment for me to do that.

“As a club we are continually improving and I feel like there is a lot more to come from us. I am excited by what the future holds.

“I am really grateful to everyone at the club for the opportunity to continue pulling on the blue and black, as well as everyone who has helped me along the way, from starting out at llantwit fadre.

“It’s a huge honour to play to Cardiff and I’m determined to give my all for the club and the fans.”