Double boost for Blues

Cardiff Blues have received a boost with the news that both prop forward Scott Andrews and loose forward Josh Navidi have signed contract extensions.

Andrews was part of the Welsh Junior World Championship side that reached the last four of the inaugural tournament held in Wales in 2008 and captained the side against France and Italy in the 2009 Under-20 Six Nations.

Having been capped at U16, U18 and U20 levels for Wales he then went on to captain his country in the Junior World Cup in Japan in June 2009.

A product of the Blues Age Grade and Academy system, Andrews made his senior Blues debut against Ulster at Ravenhill in the Magners League in 2009.

Andrews made his senior international debut, coming on as a replacement in 2011 against the Barbarians and played against Samoa, New Zealand and Australia in 2012 series.

He commented: "We have had a tough start to the season but we have a great group of boys here and things are looking good for the future, so I am really glad to stay on.

"I have been here since I was sixteen and didn't want to look elsewhere as I am happy at the Blues.

"We have a lot of young boys mixed with some top internationals who are contracted for the next few years, so slowly we are producing a good core. It will be exciting to see it progress over the next few years.

Speaking of his international ambitions Andrews added: "I enjoyed playing for Wales in the 2012 autumn internationals but the focus now is to play well for the Blues. If I get the nod for the national side for the Six Nations it's something I can look forward to in the future.

"Rugby is a learning process, you keep leaning your whole career, the more experience you get the more you continue to improve as a player and it's a constant challenge. I have improved the last few years and hopefully with another few seasons at the Blues I can keep learning and progressing," he said.

Navidi made his senior Blues debut against European Cup champions, Leinster, at the RDS in 2009, coming on as a replacement for Scott Morgan.

He said: "I'm happy with my form at the Blues and feel my playing has been consistent, but I can always keep pushing myself to see how I can improve as a player.

"Changing between six and seven doesn't really worry me, as long as I am on the pitch and representing the Blues.

"I see a lot more of the ball in the breakdown when I play at seven but then playing at six alongside Sam Warburton is great for my overall game.

"I don't think about being called up for Wales. I just get on with what I do each week and see what happens from there," he added.