Cardiff Rugby can confirm Liam Belcher will remain first team captain for the 2026-27 season. 

The all-action hooker was made club captain ahead of the 2024-25 season, having regularly deputised for Josh Turnbull.

And he will lead the Blue & Blacks for a third consecutive campaign as the club celebrates its sesquicentennial season. 

Belcher said: “It’s a massive honour for me to continue leading this club, particularly in such a historically significant season. Anyone playing for Cardiff is aware of the heritage and history here and there are so many great captains who have gone before me.  

“It’s a club that means a lot to me, we have a great group of players and staff and the support we receive on match-days is phenomenal. So to continue captain is a massive privilege. 

“I am very lucky to have so many great leaders around me, who will help drive standards, performance and accountability. We will work together to ensure we continue to grow as a group and club in what promises to be a great season ahead.”

Belcher, who came through the club’s pathway, has now made 110 first team appearances across two stints at the Arms Park. 

Cardiff kick-off their sesquicentennial season against Zebre Parma on October 2, while they warm up for the BKT United Rugby Championship with a final friendly against Exeter Chiefs on September 19.

Cardiff head coach, Corniel van Zyl, said: “We’ve announced Liam as the captain for the season. He is a good person and has done a great job in the last couple of years. 

“The likes of Alun Lawrence, Teddy Williams, Ben Thomas and Josh McNally have all captained the team and outside of that there are a lot of good leaders. Someone like Josh Adams might not be the captain but he will be one of the bigger voices in the team. People like Aled Davies, Callum Sheedy and Jarrod Evans will also have massive voices in the group.”