CARDIFF — Wales flanker Alex Mann has signed a new contract with Cardiff Rugby. The club has not specified the duration of the new deal.

Mann, whose previous contract was set to expire at the end of this season, expressed strong attachment to the organization where he has developed since his teenage years. "This is obviously my home club, I have been here since I was 16-years-old and have a lot of mates here, so it means a lot and I remain really grateful to all of the coaches and staff who have believed in me over the years and given me the opportunity," Mann said.

The 24-year-old flanker is a product of Aberdare RFC and the Cardiff academy. He has earned 16 caps for Wales and featured prominently in this year's Six Nations tournament, where he has been selected in all nine of Steve Tandy's Wales XVs this season.

During Wales' 27-17 defeat by Ireland in Dublin, Mann set a Six Nations record by making 33 tackles.

"This season has gone well for me and I just want to continue developing and giving my very best for the blue and black jersey," Mann said. "As a group, we still have plenty to play for in the months ahead so I am really eager to get back out there with the boys and give my all."

Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl praised Mann's commitment to the club. "We are really pleased that Alex has decided to continue his journey at Cardiff, particularly on the back of such an impressive season so far, most recently with Wales in the Six Nations where he put in some big performances," van Zyl said.

"He has been brilliant for Cardiff during my time at the club. It is very clear that he really cares about the club, his teammates and the people we represent," van Zyl said.

"On the pitch, he clearly has an all in mentality. He puts his body on the line, is very versatile and has an all-round game where he can make an impact on both sides of the ball," van Zyl said.

Wales assistant coach Dan Lydiate also commented on Mann's abilities. "He is some talent and is a young man with a hell of an engine who reads the game really well on both sides of the ball," Lydiate said.