Cardiff Blues can confirm that back row forward Josh Navidi has signed a new contract with the Blues that will keep him with the region until 2016
The back row forward made his senior Blues debut against Heineken Cup champions, Leinster, at the RDS in 2009, coming on as a replacement for Scott Morgan. Josh earned himself a start against London Irish in the LV=Cup match in Cardiff the following month.
Speaking of his new contract Josh 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.
The former Brynteg Comprehensive pupil moved to New Zealand at sixteen to study accountancy and PE at Christchurch’s St Bedes school and went on to win the South Island College League and came third nationally. Upon returning to Wales, Navidi played for Wales U20 side in all of the 2010 Under 20’s Six Nations tournament and lead the Wales to victory against France at Newport.
“After two seasons in New Zealand I wanted to see if I could create a career in Wales. I came back and handed my CV around. After a meeting with Gethin Watts I ended up in the Blues academy.
“I would have loved to have stayed in New Zealand as their approach to rugby is phenomenal but I have so much in Wales so I couldn’t leave permanently.
“With the facilities at the Blues you can’t complain about playing here and I’m really pleased to be staying on.
“I played under 20’s two years ago including the Junior World Cup in Japan and Argentina when Phil Davies was the coach. He is a very constructive person to have in charge. He is always pushing the players and keeping us positive in the way we play. That is as true now as when he used to coach me at U20 level.
“He encourages us and I enjoy playing under him as a coach.
“Hopefully this next season will see us push forward as a team and I’m sure he will bring out the best in us.”