Long-serving Mills stays at Welsh

London Welsh have been given a boost ahead of the club's first-ever Aviva Premiership campaign.

It was confirmed that Jonathan Mills has agreed a new deal that will keep him at the club for a sixth full season.

Mills, 28, captained London Welsh to Championship success last season and is the club's longest serving player.

The back row forward began his London Welsh career with an unbeaten four game loan spell from the Scarlets in January 2007, before making the move permanent later than year.

He made his 100th league appearance for the Exiles in the club's victory at Leeds Carnegie on the opening weekend of last year's Championship season.

In total, Mills has made 141 appearances for London Welsh, scoring 11 tries.

Mills came through the ranks at Bath before joining Llanelli. He made his debut for the Scarlets in August 2004 and went on to make 38 appearances for the region, before joining Welsh.

Mills has represented Wales at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21, while his former clubs also include Llandovery.

"I love the club; I've been here so long that I feel part of the furniture," said Mills.

"London Welsh is very special to me and I've got a lot of very happy memories here.

"I've made friends for life and everyone has always been great to my wife and I, while on the rugby side it's great that we've taken the club to the Premiership.

"When I first arrived [January 2007] we were fighting relegation, but London Welsh has always shown an ambition to get promoted and personally it's fantastic to have achieved that goal with the club.

"It's exciting times; not knowing until so late hasn't helped our preparations but the news definitely put a spring in our step coming in for the first day of pre-season on the Monday. There was real enthusiasm among the boys and now we're going to give it our best shot."

London Welsh head coach Lyn Jones said: "I'm delighted for Jon; he's definitely always had the potential to become a Premiership player.

"He had an intermittent season last year, but finished it strongly and was a big influence on London Welsh's game.

"Next season is a great opportunity for him to fulfil and realise his potential, which he showed some years ago. I hope he can step up and show what he can do."