Rugby

Gareth Anscombe to leave Cardiff Blues for Welsh rivals Ospreys

Outhalf’s decision means he will still be eligible to represent Wales

Cardiff’s Gareth Anscombe: his contract with Blues expires in the summer. Photograph: Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

Mon Apr 15 2019 - 19:20

Gareth Anscombe will leave Cardiff Blues at the end of the season to join their Pro14 rivals Ospreys. The Wales outhalf, 27, had been offered a new contract by Blues and also been linked with English clubs Harlequins, Bath and Bristol.

“I’m delighted to have secured my future to play professional rugby in Wales and to be joining the Ospreys. I am very happy to finally be able to put pen to paper during what’s been an unsettling time and commit to staying in Wales,” Anscombe told Ospreys’ official website.

“I know a lot of the boys from my time with the Wales team and they can’t speak highly enough of the spirit and ambition within the Region, which really excites me. “I’ve been impressed with the vision and the long term goals of the coaches and Region as a whole and I would like to thank them for supporting my dream to continue playing pro rugby in Wales and, if I am playing well enough, to play for my country.”

Anscombe’s contract with Blues expires in the summer, while his decision to join Welsh regional rivals Ospreys means he will still be eligible to represent Wales.

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He signed a national dual contract (NDC) with the Welsh Rugby Union when he joined Blues from New Zealand side Waikato Chiefs in 2014. NDCs have been replaced by a new player banding pay system by the WRU, with wages and categories set by the new Professional Rugby Board (PRB) and

Anscombe’s appeal against his pay banding had been rejected.

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