By Andrew Collins
April 14 2006

International lock, Rob Sidoli has renewed his commitment to the Blues by signing a new contract with the region.

It comes as a welcome boost, with Craig Quinnell announcing his retirement the same day.

Sidoli joined Cardiff in 2003, following the fall of the Celtic Warrior, he was one the star players for the Valley's side, and was a major coup by the Blues staff to get him on board. However, it's fair to say his arrival was overshadowed by the rise of Gethin Jenkins who arrived the same year.

Sid is one of Wales' best second rows, he played every game in the grand slam in 2005, aswell as starting all of this seasons 6 nations capaign.

His signing comes as a big relief to fans, having witnessed mass exits at the Arms Park in recent weeks. With second rows so high in demand especially in Wales, there would've been numerous clubs chasing his signature.

It shows that the clearout of players is by choice rather than lack of funding, with up to 9 squad players expected to leave, its good to see the big name players re-signing with Dai Young. He said,

"I'm delighted to sign a new contract and I'm happy with the way things are progressing. There's real potential in the squad for success."

At 6ft 5, his arial presence is a real becon for the Blues, and since his arrival, the line-out and scrum has been working 10 times better than ever before.

Bod Norster said,

"Rob's contract extension is a good move for both the region and the player. He is an athletic and talented line out forward who has many good seasons ahead of him and we look forward to Rob continuing to do well here at Blues."

is now thought that all first team players wanted for next season are now under contract, paving teh way for many players including Tristan Davies, Roger Warren, Kort Schubert and Maama Molitika.