Alex Cuthbert: Winger signs new three-year deal with Cardiff

The Grand Slam-winning winger has bucked the trend of Wales stars heading for France to give the domestic game a boost in the wake of the imminent departures of stars like Jamie Roberts and Dan Lydiate.

The 22-year-old was a target for big-spending Racing Metro but he feels Cardiff is the right place to continue his rugby education.

"I had a lot of decisions to make, but this is the place I want to be to take my rugby career forward," Cuthbert said.

"I'm glad it's all sorted now. 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.

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

"I'm just looking forward to the rest of the season, starting with our derby matches over Christmas at home to the Scarlets and the Dragons.

"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.

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