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Cardiff Blues have held off competition from a number of leading English clubs to sign highly-rated Welsh centre Jack Roberts from Leicester.

The 25-year-old north Walian, who came up through the junior ranks with close friend George North, will head to the Arms Park at the end of this season on a long-term deal.

Powerful and pacey, Roberts has had a big breakthrough campaign, making 16 appearances for the Tigers, who he joined from Rotherham in 2014, having previously been with Llandovery.

Now the former Wales U16s and U18s international is relishing the prospect of heading back to the capital, where he lived for three years while at university.

“I’m really looking forward to joining Cardiff Blues," he said.

"It’s an exciting place and I’ve taken a big interest in their games this season.

“They are playing good rugby and their playing style and the pitch at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park suits my game.

“I’m really happy with the season I’ve had so far, it couldn’t have gone better for me really.

"Circumstances have worked in my favour, but luckily I have been able to take the opportunities and it’s been great to be involved so much.

“I’ve learnt so much and my game has come on a hell of a lot. Every game at this level tests you so the more experience I get the better.

“Coming from Leicester there has been plenty of competition, that’s part and parcel of playing at this level and at such big clubs as Leicester and Cardiff Blues – it’s something you have to embrace as use to your advantage.

“I’m looking forward to that competition. The Blues are making progress, they’ve had some good results and you can see it’s heading in the right direction.

“Coming back to Wales was also a big pull. I lived in Cardiff for three years while I was at university and really enjoyed it. I’ve not played regional rugby so I’m really excited about this opportunity.

“I would also like to thank everyone at Leicester for the opportunities and support they have given me. I’ve been fortunate enough to be coached by some fantastic coaches and play alongside some world class players.

"The supporters are second to none and I will be giving everything I can from now until the end of the season."

Born in Bangor, Roberts hails from Pwllheli and played his junior rugby there, before going to Llandovery College at 16, along with North and another Welsh international Rhodri Jones.

He used to travel down south with future Lions winger North for age-group and Academy sessions and they became close friends.

Roberts played for the Scarlets at U18s level and for Llandovery RFC for two seasons in the Principality Premiership, before moving to Rotherham, where he made his mark in the Championship, scoring 12 tries in 36 appearances.

That fine form saw him snapped up by Leicester in October 2014 and, having put injuries behind him, he has really stepped up to the plate this season when handed the chance in the absence of crocked colleagues.

Roberts' speed certainly catches the eye, but the 5ft 8ins, 14st 4lbs centre doesn’t shirk the physical side of the job either, whether he’s carrying up or making tackles.

Blues coach Danny Wilson said: “Jack is one of the most exciting young talents in the Premiership and has had a brilliant season so far with Leicester.

“He is an abrasive and powerful centre, who offers something a little bit different to the players we currently have.

“Jack’s obviously a proud Welshman so we are pleased to bring him back to Wales and look forward to his arrival in the summer.”