Cardiff Rugby have announced that forwards Sam Wainwright and Rory Thornton have signed new contracts to stay with the region.

Wainwright joined the Blue & Blacks on a one-year deal from the Scarlets last summer and has now extended his stay in the capital.

Standing at 6ft 1ins and tipping the scales at more than 19 stone, the North Walian brings a physical presence on the pitch and has made 10 appearances during his debut season at the Arms Park.

Thornton, who made his 100^th appearance alongside Keiron Assiratti and Ben Thomas, earlier this season, has also signed a new contract of undisclosed length.

“I’m pleased to have extended my stay in Cardiff,” Thornton said.

“I love living here and the Arms Park is an amazing place to play thanks to the support we receive and atmosphere created.

“We currently have an awesome group of players with a great mix of young, exciting talent, regular internationals and experienced heads. The staff are also brilliant and together, with new signings also adding to the environment, we are all focussed on driving the club forward.

“On a personal level, I really enjoyed last season and felt I played some good rugby. I was pleased to get the opportunity to play as much as I did, and that is something I would like to continue while building on my performances.”

Thornton has been a mainstay during the 2025-26 season, making 18 appearances and scoring two tries.

“Rory is an important member of our group and has had a great season for the club,” Cardiff Rugby head coach Corniel van Zyl added.

“After the injury to Teddy Williams we had to form a plan to rotate Rory, George (Nott) and Josh (McNally) and all three played a lot of minutes and did really well.

“He is an excellent set-piece second-row, who brings a lot of experience to the pack and team. He is a good leader and decision-maker in high pressure moments, which is an important asset for us.

“I am excited to have him with us moving forward and seeing how he continue to push his game on and help us grow collectively.”

Wainwright’s performances for Cardiff have been rewarded with a Wales call-up for this summer’s internationals.

“Myself and my family are over the moon to sign for another two years at Cardiff,” Wainwright said.

“This is a special club with special players, people and supporters and it is exciting to see where we can go as a team.

“Moving to the Arms Park has been like a breath of fresh air for me. It has really challenged me on the pitch and the competition for places is driving me to be a better player and person.

“We have a brilliant group and I have so much gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing here. After the progress we made during the past season, I am really excited for the future and I’m hugely motivated to play my part.”

van Zyl commended the 28-year-old on his commitment to Cardiff since joining last summer.

“Sam has really impressed us this year,” the head coach added. “He is a big man with a lot of potential and is nearing his prime as a tight-head prop.

“Day to day he is all in. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the match-day 23 or helping the squad prepare, he is exactly the same, bringing intensity, energy and commitment. He gives his all to the team and his peers.

“He has done well for us this year and that has been reflected in his inclusion in the Wales Six Nations squad and again this summer.

“I am pleased he is staying and look forward to seeing what he can bring moving forward. He is competing with two other internationals and we are confident they can push each other onto greater heights, raising standards and team performance.”

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