Fan Favourite Rey Lee-Lo has signed a new one-year contract with Cardiff Rugby ahead of next season.

The 38-year-old centre has made 163 appearances for the Blue and Blacks since joining from the Hurricanes in 2015.

Recognised as a consistently solid defender with plenty of flair in attack, Lee-Lo will add to Cardiff’s midfield options which include Wales squad members Mason Grady, Ben Thomas, Steffan Emanuel and Rory Jennings.

“I’m just really happy to be staying here with Cardiff for another year, playing with the boys and in front of the amazing Arms Park crowd,” said Lee-Lo.

“I really enjoyed the past season and feel like my form was pretty good. My body is still feeling really good and I have plenty left to give to this team.

“Helping bring through some of the young and exciting players in the squad is also something I enjoy and it has been great to see them becoming top quality players in their own right and earning international honours.

“From a family perspective we are also really happy here in Cardiff. The club, the supporters and the city itself has been so welcoming since we came over in 2015, and it is home for us now.

“We love it here, the support we receive is amazing and I’m looking forward to continuing to pull on the Blue and Black jersey next season.”

Samoan international Lee-Lo, who has 26 caps for his country, made 13 appearances during the 2023-24 season, all of them starts, scoring against Bulls in November.

He is one of only two players who started Cardiff’s 31-30 win against Gloucester in the 2018 Challenge Cup final who will remain at the club next season.

Matt Sherratt said: “It’s great that we have been able to keep Rey for next season.”

“There is absolutely no doubt about his playing abilities. He has been one of the leading centres in European rugby for a number of years and showed he can still perform at a consistently high level throughout last season.

“He has been there and done it and is a great experienced, senior presence for our young players both on and off the pitch. It is no coincidence that the likes of Ben Thomas and Mason Grady have developed so well with Rey often next to them.

“He’s brilliant for our environment, sets standards and calls Cardiff home. It is great that Rey and his family will remain a regular presence at the Arms Park.”