Cardiff Rugby: Full-back Cam Winnett signs new long-term deal
- Published
Cardiff back Cam Winnett has scored tries against Dragons and Scarlets this season
Cam Winnett has signed a new long-term deal with Cardiff.
The full-back, 21, signed his first senior contract with the capital region last summer and has impressed sufficiently to earn fresh terms at the Arms Park.
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said: "We are delighted to have extended Cam beyond the end of his existing contract.
"Cam has been excellent so far this season."
Sherratt added: "He is a really good person and professional which has shown in the consistency of his performances.
"It signals our intent of not only retaining our best young players but also extending the lads that we want to build the club around."
Wales Under-20s back Winnett scored a try on his first-team debut for Cardiff against Harlequins in 2021.
He has been among Cardiff's best performers this season having featured in all 11 of his side's fixtures.
On his new deal, Winnett said: "This is a really proud moment for myself and my family and I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me get to this point in my career.
"To sign a long-term contract with a club I love and grew up supporting is amazing and I couldn't be any happier.
"The season has been going well for me so far, I am really grateful for the opportunities I have been given by the coaches, I am loving the way we are playing and it's just a really enjoyable group to be part of.
"I am still learning every day, I'm working hard on and off the field and enjoying every moment wearing the Cardiff badge on my chest."
Winnett's extension comes as a significant boost to Sherratt whose side - along with Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons - face further budget cuts next season.
Funding will drop to £4.5m for 2024-25 having already fallen from £7m to £5.2m this season.
Despite the impending cuts, Mason Grady is now expected to stay in the Welsh capital amid interest from clubs including Sale, Bath, Exeter and Saracens.
Speaking after his side's 54-15 Champions Cup defeat by Harlequins, Sherratt said: "We're confident we'll keep Mason.
"He's playing here with his mates, enjoying his rugby. We want to keep our best players. Fingers crossed he stays but I can't give you a definitive answer."
PARANORMAL: Chilling ghost stories and words appearing on the walls...
STEELTOWN MURDERS: Three murders - unsolved but never forgotten
