Rory Thornton is the latest experienced star to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with Cardiff Rugby.
The towering 6f 8ins second-row has made 82 appearances since joining the Blue and Blacks during the 2018-19 season.
A commanding lineout presence and tactician, Thornton has enjoyed an impressive season at the club, featuring prominently until a calf injury in January.
However, Thornton is now back fully fit and firing after returning to action in the last three rounds of the BKT United Rugby Championship and he is excited to see what the future holds at Cardiff Arms Park.
He said: “Moving to Cardiff and living here has been absolutely amazing - I love the city. So I am really happy to sign a new deal.
“From a personal perspective, staying at Cardiff and continuing to build on the game time and performances I have enjoyed this year was the best option.
“The fixtures in the European Champions Cup, as well as the Welsh derbies, with the crowds and atmospheres around them was incredible and has given me a renewed hunger to keep pushing and driving on to achieve.
“I am also really excited about the make up of the club next season with the exciting young players who have come through this year adding to the group and continuing to grow.
“The coaching set-up that Jockey has put together is also an exciting one and I am looking forward to continuing learning and developing on a personal and collective level.”
Having come through the Ospreys academy, Thornton captained Wales at Under-20 level and made his senior debut in 2017.
He will compete with the likes of Teddy Williams, Seb Davies and Ben Donnell for a starting spot next season.
Sherratt said: “Rory has made real improvements across his all round game this season, which we are all really pleased with.
“He is an excellent set-piece forward, who is offering more and more around the pitch. With Rory, Seb, Teddy and Ben we have a good base to build on as we move towards 2023-24.”