Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Hallam Amos and Samson Lee have given Welsh rugby a boost by recommitting their future to the game in Wales.
All four Welsh Regions benefit from the re-signing, with each boasting one of the international stars apiece.
With 160 Welsh caps and more than 370 Regional appearances between them, the commitment from the experienced quartet is another landmark moment in the NDC process.
Wales captain Warburton, 28, became the first player to sign a national contract with the WRU in January 2014, a contract which then evolved into a NDC with Cardiff Blues, following the contracts’ inception later that year.
Fellow British and Irish Lion Lydiate, returned to Welsh rugby on a NDC with the Ospreys in December 2014 and has gone on to make 27 appearances for the Region, in addition to the 85 he had previously made for Newport Gwent Dragons.
Lee, who made his Scarlets debut back in 2012, signed his first NDC in January 2015 and has recommitted his future to his home Region and Wales.
Amos, 22, made his Dragons debut aged just 17 years 28 days, a record age at the time, and has gone onto make more than 80 appearances for the side. He signed his first NDC on Boxing Day 2014 and has 10 Welsh caps to his name.
Welsh Rugby Union Chief Executive, Martyn Phillips said: “I’m delighted that we are able to announce that four international stars have re-emphasized their commitment to the game here in Wales by re-signing National Dual Contracts.
“Having our best players, playing here in Wales is vital to the future health of our game. We have made no secret of that and the importance both on and off the field at Regional and National level in Welsh players playing their rugby in Wales.
“The close working relationship and ambition shared with the Regions is crucial in our ability to retain players. Together we believe we are creating an environment that players want to play in and will get the best out of them on the field.
“In addition our player centered approach, is not only helping extend their playing career but also helping with success in their career after rugby.
“Seeing international players re-sign these contracts highlights the success of the programme as we continue to work hard to drive the game forward.”
Cardiff Blues Head Coach, Danny Wilson said: “We’re thrilled that Sam has signed a new National Dual Contract with the WRU and ourselves.
“Sam is obviously a top, international class flanker and has a vast amount of experience. With his leadership ability and having achieved so much in the game he’s a great asset for Cardiff Blues.
“It’s great that he sees his future here and he will be a key figure for us moving forward.”
Ospreys Head Coach, Steve Tandy said: “It’s great news for us, and for Welsh rugby. With Dan’s outlook on the game and his desire to keep learning, even as a senior Wales international and a Lion, he is an example to everybody.
“I believe he’s really grown as an individual and a player since he came to us less than two years ago, and there is still more growth in him, on and off the field. He wants to be the best he can be, in everything he does, and we hope to see Dan continuing to improve his all round game over the coming seasons, with the security of an NDC allowing him to prosper.
“He fits in well to our environment and is thriving as an Osprey. His selflessness and willingness to learn is what being an Osprey is all about, and he considers himself a true Osprey.”
Scarlets Head Coach, Wayne Pivac said: “We’re delighted to see another homegrown player committing his future to the club. It’s great news that Samson has extended his contract and will continue to ply his trade here at the Scarlets.”
Newport Gwent Dragons Head Coach, Kingsley Jones said: “It’s great news for both our Region and Wales that Hallam has committed to the Dragons for another two years.
“He is pivotal to our plans going forward. Not only is he a top class international player he is a quality person and at the age of just 21 is respected by the whole squad and staff.”