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Alex Cuthbert is to leave Cardiff Blues at the end of this season and could be heading for a fresh start outside of Wales.

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 is 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.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

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 big-spending 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.

Cuthbert scored the tries that sealed the 2012 Grand Slam and the 2013 Six Nations title, forming a long-standing wing partnership with George North.

He hasn’t been such a regular starter over the past couple of seasons, with the emergence of the likes of Liam Williams, Hallam Amos and Steff Evans.

But coach Warren Gatland has stuck by him as a squad member and often talked about the hope of him getting back to his best.

The 6ft 6ins wide man has scored 17 Test tries in all, including one for the Lions in the 2013 series opener against Australia in Brisbane. He has made 110 appearances for the Blues, touching down 45 times, returning to action on New Year’s Eve after six weeks out with a calf problem.

Despite Cuthbert leaving, the Arms Park outfit are not looking to bring fellow international wing George North on board.

The 69-cap North will be returning to Wales next season on a WRU national dual contract after five years at Northampton, but it’s yet to be decided which region he will be joining.

The Blues initially threw their hat into the ring for him back in November, but have now decided to focus on front five recruitment instead.

The emergence of versatile youngsters Owen Lane and Rhun Williams has provided them with exciting new options on the wing alongside Tom James, Blaine Scully and Aled Summerhill.