Cardiff Blues can confirm BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park favourite Taufa'ao Filise has penned a new contract with the region.
The tight-head prop, who is being honoured at a Testimonial Dinner tonight, has spent a decade at Wales’ capital region and is showing no signs of slowing down.
He remains a key member of the squad and has been in fine form this season with a stunning performance against the Scarlets at the beginning of the month.
And Filise has now been rewarded with a new deal to remain part of Danny Wilson’s squad for the 2016-17 season.
Head coach Wilson said: “We’re really pleased to have agreed a new deal with Fa’ao, who remains an integral member of our squad.
“He has been an outstanding servant to Cardiff Blues for more than a decade and is still playing some of the best rugby of his career. That was epitomised by his performance against the Scarlets.
“His durability in a Blues shirt is testament to his professionalism and he is a great role model for the youngsters coming through.
“He still has plenty left to give and we look forward to seeing him back at Cardiff Arms Park next season.”
Filise, grew up in Tonga and went to Tupou College in Nuku’alofa. In 2000 he joined Bay of Plenty in New Zealand and later the Auckland-based Super Rugby side the Blues, where he played alongside former Cardiff Blues Number eight, Xavier Rush.
The giant prop, who won 17 caps for Ikale Tahi and has represented the Pacific Islanders, joined the Blues from Bath in 2006 and quickly established himself in the first team.
He is the only double centurion for the region with 215 appearances to date and was part of the European Challenge Cup and EDF Energy Cup winning teams.
Filise said: “I am delighted to sign a new contract at Cardiff Blues and was very happy when Danny (Wilson) approached me to talk about a new contract.
“I have loved the last decade here, this is my home and I’m excited about the strength of the squad we are building here as we look to move forward.”