Academy prospect Ioan Penry has signed for Cardiff RFC ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Cardiff RFC will continue its role in supporting the Cardiff Rugby pathway, where it gives young players like Penry the high-performance opportunities to continue their development as a player.
Penry, a product of Ysgol Glantaf and Cardiff Harlequins, has represented Cardiff Rugby at U16 and U18 level.
On signing Penry, Cardiff RFC head coach Dan Fish said: “Really looking forward to seeing Ioan continue his development with us.
“He’s been a standout player in our pathway and at Ysgol Glantaf and deserves the opportunity to get the chance to go to the next step.
“Fits the mould perfect as a Cardiff 12 with his ball playing ability and the ability to take people on. He had a sniff of it last season and I’m sure he’s chomping at the bit to get some more game time in the famous blue and black jersey.”
The centre has represented Wales U19s as well as making his Blue and Black debut last season against Llandovery in the Super Rygbi Cymru Cup.
“It’s a great feeling having been given the opportunity to sign for Cardiff, especially as someone who’s always been a massive supporter of the club and having been lucky enough to come all the way through the pathway at Cardiff,” said Penry.
“It’s a massive privilege to be able to continue learning from both the experienced coaches and players around me and I’m really excited to get stuck into it.
“I think Cardiff will be great for my development both on and off the field. The facilities are great, but crucially both the coaching staff and the players have always been massively encouraging and helpful.
“Everyone’s happy to answer questions, etc, which goes a long way as someone new coming into the environment.
“I’m keen to follow these examples that are set by those around me and will help me develop as a person off the field also.
“I was massively grateful to be given opportunities earlier this year to get some game time in the SRC.
“Having learned so much in such a short period of time with my first taste of senior Rugby, the thought of hopefully playing on a more regular basis really excites me and being able to test myself in a high-level environment, which I can’t wait to throw myself into.”