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Matthew Morgan is to leave Bristol at the end of this season, paving the way for a move to Cardiff Blues.

The five-times capped utility back has decided to head home to further his international prospects and the Arms Park is his likeliest destination.

He is set to be employed primarily as a full-back by the Blues, although he will also provide an option at outside-half, alongside Gareth Anscombe and Jarrod Evans.

One of the most exciting players produced in Welsh rugby in recent years, his speed off the mark and side-stepping running game will add significantly to the region’s attacking armoury.

Morgan is in his second season with Bristol, having joined them from the Ospreys in 2014, and has scored 167 points in 26 appearances. But the 23-year-old has now declared his intention to move on, much to the disappointment of the Championship leaders.

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Their director of rugby Andy Robinson has said he hopes that people giving the player advice stick to their promises in terms of his Wales chances.

The Swansea-born Morgan has confirmed that his desire to play for his country is the driving force behind his impending move home.

He added: “I’m grateful to Andy (Robinson) and the coaching staff for their understanding in me making this difficult decision.

“I’m desperate to represent my country and leaving Bristol is the best opportunity for me to achieve this goal.

“My time at the club has been fantastic and I have a great relationship with my team-mates and the supporters.

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“Until the end of the season, my focus is solely on helping Bristol be successful and ultimately win promotion to the top flight.”

Giving his verdict, Robinson said: “We’re disappointed to lose a player of Matthew’s quality because we felt he was developing well at Bristol.

“But we can’t fault a young man in wanting to play international rugby. I just hope those giving Matthew advice stick to the promises that have been made to him. These are the main factors behind his decision to leave.

“Matthew is a quality player and has lit up Ashton Gate with his performances in a Bristol shirt. Since he’s been here, he’s grown into a confident player who has had the opportunity to represent his country at a World Cup.

“We back Matthew in his decision and he will leave with our best wishes at the end of the campaign. Until then, he knows he has a job to do and will be focused on signing off in the best possible way.”

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Morgan, who made two appearances for Wales at the World Cup, has been a target for Cardiff Blues for some time. Now they are set to get their man.

He will join fellow new recruits Salesi Ma’afu and Nick Williams, with Saracens prop Rhys Gill also heading for the Arms Park as coach Danny Wilson reshapes the squad.

In addition to the signing of Williams from Ulster, it’s understood the Blues are also keen to retain fellow No 8 Manoa Vosawai, with the Fijian-born Italian international having been in fine form of late.

That would give them real ball-carrying options from the base of the scrum, while big Scarlets lock George Earle is another likely powerful pack recruit.

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