The 26-year-old has been out for nearly three months after suffering a knee injury in the Six Nations opener against Scotland
Wales back-row James Botham has signed a new long-term deal with Cardiff to keep him at the Arms Park.
The 26-year-old is set to make his comeback from injury this weekend against Edinburgh after nearly three months out.
Botham last featured in Wales’ Six Nations opener against Scotland, crossing for a try before being forced off with a knee injury.
That was the back-row’s first Wales cap in nearly three years, having last featured against Argentina in the summer of 2021.
However, ahead of his return to action, the Arms Park side have been boosted by the news that Botham has penned a new deal with the club.
In his time at Cardiff, Botham has featured 51 times for the club, crossing for 13 tries.
Botham’s time on the pitch has been limited this season, with the knee injury hindering the tail-end of the campaign and a hamstring injury meaning he didn’t start the season until Boxing Day.
Botham has managed just three appearances for Cardiff this season, crossing for two tries on his comeback against the Dragons as he instantly demanded a Wales recall.
With both Josh Turnbull and Ellis Jenkins announcing their retirements from the game in recent weeks, the importance of Botham will only grow at the Arms Park moving forward.
“I always wanted to play in Wales and with Cardiff being my first and only club, it’s great to be able to sign another contract here,” the back-row said. “I am settled here in Cardiff and in terms of rugby it’s great to see so many young, talented player also signing new contracts as we build for the future.
“We have a lot of potential in this group and I feel like we’ve shown that this season, as well has how much we want to play for each other, the club and the supporters. So I am really excited to see what we can do as a team next year.
“However, there is still plenty of rugby to be played this season and I’m really pleased to be back fit and in contention,” he added. “We are all looking forward to the next few weeks and having a strong finish to the current campaign.”
Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt added: “It’s great to keep Jim at the Arms Park on a new long-term contract. He has been unfortunate with injuries this season but he is back fit and available and we are all seeing him back in a Cardiff jersey this season and beyond.
“He is already a key player for us but I have no doubt that he can get even better in our environment. What sets Jim apart is his athletic ability and skill set, which is absolutely top class. He is already a capped International and has a huge burning desire to add to that and take his game to the next level.
“He certainly has all the attributes to achieve that and we are looking forward to seeing that over the next few years.”QUOTES