Jenkins and Sowden-Taylor are key players for Cardiff Blues

The new deals will commit the Wales internationals to the region until the end of the 2009/2010 season.

Prop Jenkins, 27 said: "Year after year we've been getting better and it's just a case of putting it all together and getting results and winning trophies."

"Cardiff is where I grew up and it's the only place where my heart is," said 25-year-old flanker Sowden-Taylor.

Jenkins has been one of the Blues' most consistent performers since joining from the disbanded Celtic Warriors in 2004.

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He overtook Blues coach Dai Young as Wales' most-capped prop when he faced Fiji in the World Cup last year to win his 52nd cap.

Jenkins was then given the honour of captaining Wales for the first time in November's Test against South Africa.

He added: "I'm happy at the Blues and don't live far from where we train. We've been promised new training facilities so hopefully they'll be finished soon."

"We've also made some good signings which has strengthened the squad."

Sowden-Taylor returned to action at the end of last season after recovering from a career-threatening ankle injury.

He captained the Blues on their Boxing Day victory over the Dragons and feels ready to emerge from the shadow of fellow Blues flanker Martyn Williams.

"Obviously, sometimes you have to think about elsewhere to improve your rugby but at the same time I feel I'm really on my toes here," said Sowden-Taylor, who is set to be Wales' first-choice open-side flanker following Williams' international retirement.

"I'm getting regular rugby and the competition is really good between me and Martyn.

"I find that I'm really pushing myself everyday rather than starting every game week in week out, which may put you in a comfort zone.

"That's certainly not the case with me at the moment, which is good on a personal level and hopefully that will improve my game."