Blues boost - Cuthbert stays

The 22-year-old, who has already won 13 caps for his country, is joint leading try scorer in this season's Heineken Cup with four giving him a tally of eight tries in 10 tournament appearances.

"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," said the 2012 Grand Slam winner.

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

"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 those close losses will turn into wins for us.

"Obviously the likes of Rhys Patchell has just come in and stepped up to Heineken 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, added: "I am delighted that Alex Cuthbert has signed a contact with the Blues, keeping him in Wales for the next three years.

"Alex is s a great try scorer but he is still young and developing all the time. His work rate 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."