Cuthbert’s farewell to Arms...

WALES AND LIONS WING WILL LEAVE BLUES FOR PASTURES NEW

ALEX Cuthbert is to leave Cardiff Blues at the end of this season and could be heading for a fresh start outside of Wales, writes Simon Thomas.

The 47-cap international winger won’t be signing a new contract with the Arms Park outfit, who he has been with since 2011.

It remains to be seen where he will be playing his rugby from next season.

It’s understood the three other regions have been made aware of his availability, but it could be his future lies away from Wales, either in England or France.

The 27-year-old, who was born and raised in rural Gloucestershire, could well be a target for Aviva Premiership clubs with his power and experience.

There have been some suggestions that he may also be on the radar of bigspending clubs in France.

One issue for Cuthbert is if he does move outside of Wales, he would be unable to continue his Test career next season.

Under the new WRU selection policy, players who leave the country must have 60 caps to be eligible for international duty.

And there is no chance of the 2013 Test Lion reaching that mark by the end of this season.

He has been a regular member of the Welsh squad since making his debut against Australia in December 2011 and won his 47th cap in November when he lined up against Georgia.