Williams commits to Blues

Williams: New deal

Cardiff Blues have completed a U-turn by agreeing a new deal with veteran Wales flanker Martyn Williams.

"I've signed a year extension and I'm happy that it's all done and dusted."
Martyn Williams Quotes of the week

The Blues had announced back in January that Williams and Tom Shanklin would not be offered a new contract at the end of the season.

However Williams, who has been capped 98 times, has now put pen to paper on a 12-month extension.

The 35-year-old, who had also held talks with Wasps, said: "I've signed a year extension and I'm happy that it's all done and dusted.

"It's where I wanted to finish off and I've made no secret about that. I'm over the moon the club have come to an agreement that I will have my last season here.

"Peter Thomas, David Young and Bob Norster have all worked hard to make this happen and I'm glad that it has all been sorted out.

Speculation

"In fairness, Dai never said he wanted to release me and I totally understood the club's reasons for not doing things immediately.

"It wasn't a great couple of weeks with the speculation and not being in the Wales squad but I've tried to keep my head down and carried on playing for the region.

"I've been here since 1999, so I didn't really want to go anywhere else."

Williams admitted he had offers from clubs in the Aviva Premiership and the Top 14 but the Blues was always his first choice.

"I did weigh everything up, whether to go to play in England or France or completely retire from the game in June," he added.

"However, I'm still feeling well and playing well, and think I have something to offer the Blues next year."