THE LAST WORD

BRISTOL are reportedly offering Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe £500,000 per year to join them this summer, with the understanding that it would rule him out of the World Cup — as an exile in England. In principle, it seems like a simple decision: sign on again with the Blues, go to Japan in the autumn and savour a career pinnacle with no limit on where the journey could end. Yet, Anscombe couldn’t be blamed for taking a financial decision and moving to the West Country. As a Kiwi with Welsh ancestry, he has struggled for acceptance since migrating from New Zealand to Cardiff. Frankly, he has been harshly and unfairly treated. If he decides to accept Bristol’s offer, those who haven’t appreciated him should be filled with regret.