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Wales number eight Faletau signs new Cardiff deal

Taulupe Faletau on the attack for Cardiff with ball in handHuw Evans Picture Agency

Taulupe Faletau has toured Australia, New Zealand and South Africa with the British and Irish Lions

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau has signed a new deal to stay at Cardiff.

Faletau, 34, was out of contract at the end of the season at the Arms Park.

Cardiff, who were taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) in April after temporarily going into istration, have announced Faletau is staying for a fourth season.

Faletau has been named in Wales' squad for the two Test tour of Japan in July which is being led by his Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt in his role as interim head coach.

The number eight will have not given up hope of being called up for a fourth British and Irish Lions tour having not been named in the initial touring party to Australia.

Faletau has played 108 internationals for Wales and five Tests for the Lions.

"I'm happy to be staying with Cardiff and continuing to play my rugby here at home," said Faletau.

"Being part of this group of players has been amazing. There's a good vibe on and off the pitch, and I really enjoy working with Jockey [Matt Sherratt]. His insights and have challenged me to grow and improve.

"I'm grateful for the continued opportunity and looking forward to what's shaping up to be an exciting year ahead."

'One of the greatest'

Taulupe Faletau has been in training with Wales this week before they fly to JapanHuw Evans Picture Agency

Taulupe Faletau has been in training with Wales this week before they fly to Japan

Faletau, who started his career with Dragons, has been limited to just 23 appearances for Cardiff in three years since his move from Bath.

A broken arm suffered in the 2023 World Cup against Georgia was followed by a fractured shoulder on his club return in April 2024 against Ulster.

Faletau has had a run of games in recent months and has been excellent in the second half of the season.

"We are delighted to be able to keep Taulupe at Cardiff and in Wales," said Sherratt.

"He is a highly respected member of our squad and has shown recently the quality he brings to the pitch.

"He is one of very few players who has real quality in every aspect of the game.

"He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to pull on a Cardiff shirt and the red shirt of Wales and we are delighted he is staying with us.

"Taulupe and his family are settled in Cardiff and this played a big part in him agreeing a new contract."

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