Beddau born and bred, scrum half Lewis Jones spent his early days playing for his school and for his local club at junior and youth level. While studying at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen, Lewis was called up to the Blues age grade squads from under 16's through to under 18's. Whilst studying at Pencoed College, Jones also joined the Bridgend WRU College League side during his two years in sixth-form.

On being released by the Blues Academy in November 2010, Lewis Jones was offered a permanent contract with Pontypridd RFC and went on to play a significant part in the club's successful campaign, culminating in a double try scoring, Man of the Match performance in the 2011 SWALEC Cup final.

After an impressive season in the Principality Premiership and a key player in Wales' Under 20 squad, Jones was invited back into the Blues Academy a year later, before signing with the Blues senior side for the 2012/13 season.

Looking back on his progression, Lewis contemplates his good fortune and his future ambitions,

"I have had a bit of luck on my side this season. Unfortunately Lloyd (Williams) was banned, which meant I had a good run of games and a chance to start.

"I enjoy the way the Cardiff Blues play, as it is similar to the way I like playing and that has made my experience here all the more satisfying.

"My first Heineken Cup game didn't go according to plan, when I got sin binned against Sale, but playing against Toulon was a fantastic experience, competing against players of that calibre was a real eye opener.

Lewis is very much part of a young group of players that the Blues are developing and retaining for the long term.

"Obviously there is a lot of us coming up through the Blues at the moment and we are getting a lot of experience early on in our careers, which hopefully will benefit us as individuals and also as a squad.

"It makes you feel at home playing with boys your own age. I played with Harry Robinson, Macauley Cooke, Ellis Jenkins, Owen Williams and Tom Young at the Junior World Cup two years ago, and that helped me settle this year. Then there are the Welsh internationals who have a lot of experience and are ready to help.

"It's an exciting time to be involved at the Blues so I'm glad to have signed a contract extension."