The Cardiff Blues today confirmed that hooker, Gareth Williams and second row Deiniol Jones have put pen to paper on new deals.

Jones, the region's most capped player 119 appearance, has signed a 2-year deal, taking him through to the end of 2012, in what is likely to be his final season. Having signed from the dispanded Celtic Warriors in 2004, Jones became a mainstay in the boiler room alongside Robert Sidoli before forging a hugely successful partnership with Paul Tito.

Described as the unseen man of the Blues, Jones has only recently received the credit he deserves for his ability and work ethic. Dai Young today commended the 32 year old for his outstanding service to the region, and was delighted to have the Welshman on board for another two years.

"Deiniol has been one of our most consistent players over recent seasons and the type of guy you don't really appreciate until he's not playing. He does all the unseen donkey work around the field and always gives you 100%."

Deiniol himself told CardiffBlues.com,

"I'm obviously delighted to have signed a new contract with the Blues. I feel that the squad has grown from strength to strength over recent seasons and now there is a real competition for places in the starting XV which is healthy. The training facility and stadium are also obviously a huge step forward for us and no doubt are up there with the best around."

Joining Deiniol in resigning, Gareth Williams has signed a 3 year deal which will see the former Bridgend player at the Cardiff City Stadium until at least 2013.

The popular forward has been in immense form for the Blues over the last two years, arguably covering more ground on the rugby field than any other player. Having previously been regarded second choice at the region, he forced his way back into selection through sheer hard work and determination.

Despite being overlooked for Wales due to his size, Dai Young feels it's just a matter of time until Williams adds to his seven caps.

"It's a real boost to the squad that both Gareth and Deiniol have signed new contracts with the region. To me Gareth has been the form hooker in Wales over the last year."

Williams added,

"I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with the region. Although I had offers from clubs in France, there was nowhere else I wanted to go. I still have ambitions to win silverware with the region and ambitions to play for Wales and hopefully my chance will come during the Six Nations."

However, perhaps the biggest news of the day is the rumour that the Blues have signed Scottish fly half Dan Parks ahead of next season. The 31 year old Glasgow stand-off has never been the most creative of players, and news of his likely arrival will hardly fill fans with delight.

Sam Norton-Knight has struggled to make the position his own so far this season, and as a result the Blues have underperformed since losing Nicky Robinson.

Parks would at least offer stability at 10, a position where he has gained 47 caps for Scotland, but he has always been an unpopular choice for fans and he has been excluded from Andy Robinson's squads since the Englishman took over the head coach role.

With Ceri Sweeney likely to depart at the end of the season, Parks would come in to compete with Norton-Knight and at least should be available during international windows. It's not the signing Blues fans were hoping for however, with most people wanting to see James Hook at the CCS. The Blues refused to comment today, but it's thought a deal for Parks is all but complete.

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