Wales star Taulupe Faletau has signed a new contract to stay at Cardiff , having turned down big-money offers to move abroad. The back rower was due to be out of contract at Arms Park at the end of the month, with the man himself admitting last month that he was unsure where he would be playing his rugby next season. He had been heavily linked with a number of French clubs including Stade Niçois and Provence Rugby, but has now chosen to extend his stay in the capital. The 34-year-old is approaching the end of his career but has been in excellent form since returning injury in December, with a series of standout performances towards the close of the season as Cardiff narrowly missed out on the URC play-offs. He was named Player of the Match when he helped his side to victory over Munster in April and is now set for more nights at the Arms Park having put pen to paper on a new deal. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. As his new contract was confirmed, Faletau said: “I’m really happy to be staying with Cardiff and continuing to play my rugby here at home. Being part of this group of players has been amazing. "There’s a good vibe on and off the pitch, and I really enjoy working with Jockey. His insights and support have challenged me to grow and improve. “Playing at the Arms Park is also truly special and the support we receive is brilliant. “I’m grateful for the continued opportunity and I’m looking forward to what’s shaping up to be an exciting year ahead.” Meanwhile, Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said that everyone at the region was "delighted" to retain Faletau's services as he paid tribute to the three-time British & Irish Lions tourist and described him as "undoubtedly one of the greatest players" to represent the Blue & Blacks. “We are all delighted to be able to keep Taulupe at Cardiff and in Wales," said Sherratt. "He is a highly respected member of our squad and he has shown recently the quality he brings to the pitch. He is one of very few players who has real quality in every aspect of the game. “Taulupe and his family are very settled in Cardiff and this played a big part in him agreeing a new contract. “He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to pull on a Cardiff shirt and the red shirt of Wales and we are delighted he is staying with us." It comes weeks after Faletau - who has made 23 appearances for Cardiff since signing from Bath in 2022 - admitted he was unsure where his future lay. “I don’t know where I will be playing next season yet,” he said after his outstanding performance against Munster in April. “It’s just been up and down, playing and not playing, so to get the run of games the last few weeks has been good. I am just happy to get out there with the boys."