Halfpenny has 14 appearances for the Blues and won three caps for Wales

Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny has signed a new contract with Cardiff Blues, along with former Wales captain Gareth Thomas and hooker T Rhys Thomas.

Halfpenny, who made his Wales debut in the autumn, committed his future to the region until 2011, as has Rhys Thomas.

Director of rugby David Young said: "We've been delighted with Leigh's form. He has played in some big games and nothing seems to faze him."

Utility back Thomas will stay with the Blues until the end of the 2010 season.

Thomas, 34, has been in fine form, helping the Welsh region to the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup.

And Young believed Wales' record cap holder, who won his 100th cap against Fiji during the 2007 Rugby World Cup, could help nurture the region's youngsters.

Leigh is an exiting player to watch and the type of player that gets the crowd on the edge of their seats David Young

"His experience in big matches has been invaluable to us and he has really helped bring on some of the younger players in the squad," said the Blues boss.

"He has kept himself in great condition and even in the autumn of his career he still has that hunger for the game, which is great to see a real example to the other players."

One of the Blues' promising young players is undoubtedly 20-year-old Halfpenny who has cemented his place in the Wales squad after just 14 appearances for his region.

News of a successful conclusion to Halfpenny's contract talks will be a boost to the Blues as the player, who made his international debut against South Africa in November, had been linked with a move to rivals Scarlets.

"Leigh is another product of the Blues Academy in Treforest and we have been delighted with his form for us this season," said Young.

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"He is an exiting player to watch and the type of player that gets the crowd on the edge of their seats.

"He is still a young man who is eager to learn and I'm sure he has a bright future with both the Blues and Wales. He is very much part of our squad as we look to build on the progress we have made over recent years."

Hooker Thomas, 26, has 27 international caps for Wales and has made over 100 appearances for the Blues.

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