Cuthbert commits to Cardiff

Alex Cuthbert has given the Cardiff Blues an early Christmas present by signing a new three-year contract with the region.

“I had a lot of decisions to make but I’m glad I’ve got it sorted and this is the place I want to be to take my rugby career forward. I’m glad it’s all sorted now,” Cuthbert said.

“I did have some good offers from other clubs but I wanted to stay with the Blues.

“I’m happy in Cardiff and with the Blues. I get on really well with Phil [Davies] and the coaching staff and enjoy playing with the boys.

“I’m just looking forward to the rest of the season starting with our derby matches over Christmas against the Scarlets and Dragons.

“It’s great playing at the Arms Park. There’s a great atmosphere with the crowd on top of you and it always lifts you to play in front of a packed house.

Cuthbert believes the club is moving in the right direction and is optimistic about the future.

“I’ve certainly seen the progress on the pitch, although we may not be getting the results right now, we are just losing by narrow margins and you can tell it’s coming,” he said.

“Hopefully we will get some quality players in next season and those close losses will turn into wins for us.

“Obviously the likes of Rhys Patchell has just come in and stepped up to European Cup level and that’s what we want at the Blues. Josh Navidi has come on loads also and playing really well. It’s good to see Tom Williams and Owen Williams coming through.

“A year or so on, with a bit more experience under their belts, they will only be better.

Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Phil Davies welcomed Cuthbert’s decision.

“I am delighted that Alex Cuthbert has signed a contact with the Blues, keeping him in Wales for the next three years.

“Alex is 22, he has a fantastic future ahead of him, not just at the Blues but in the game in general.

“He is a vital part of our squad and I’m sure that our supporters are also delighted as are the players in the squad.

“Alex is a great try-scorer but he is still young and developing all the time.

“His workrate is phenomenal and his defence and reading of the game is improving considerably. Hopefully he will get better and better over the next three years.”