Cardiff Blues' second highest try scorer Tom James has signed a contract extension with the Welsh region.

The flying winger burst onto the rugby scene in 2006/07, when he became a full-time professional rugby player with the Blues and selected to tour Australia with Wales.

The former Welsh Athletics star scored on his Blues debut, beating Edinburgh at Murrayfield in November 2006 and won the first of his 10 Welsh caps against England at Twickenham in August 2007.

Speaking of his decision to extend his contract with the Blues, Tom said,"The facilities we have at the region are awesome and with the squad that we have I think things are looking good for the future, so I'm happy to have signed the new contract."

"We have so many youngsters coming through into the squad that will be with us after some of the older players have retired, that I think it's an exiting time to be with the Blues."

"A lot of those youngsters showed in the LV=Cup games what they are capable of a put in some good performances."

James became the joint second highest try scorer for the Blues, equal with Tom Shanklin and one behind Jamie Robinson, when he touched down in last Friday's win over Glasgow in his 74th match for the Blues.

Speaking of the forthcoming games against Leinster at home and Ulster away Tom added,"We have to put in strong performances while the international players are away to try to secure a place in the Magners League final."

"It won't be easy as we have some tough games coming up and also have a few difficult places to visit, but that is our main focus as a squad now."

"I had an injury last season so just want to have a good run of games this year."

"I didn't get selected for the Six Nations but hopefully if I play well I'll be called up to the World Cup squad."

Top Blues Try Scorers

29 Jamie Robinson
28 Tom James
28 Tom Shanklin
22 Nicky Robinson
21 Ben Blair
21 Chris Czekaj
20 Rhys Williams
19 Xavier Rush
17 Ma'ama Molitika
16 Leigh Halfpenny