Alex Cuthbert is out of Wales’ tour to New Zealand this summer after undergoing a knee operation. The Cardiff Blues player is expected to be sidelined for at least 12 weeks, putting him out of contention for the June trip which includes three Tests against the All Blacks.

Steve Shingler’s move from the Scarlets to the Cardiff Blues next season has been confirmed and he could be joined at the Arms Park by George Earle. Fly-half Shingler, 24, has been earmarked for the switch to the Blues since Rhys Patchell decided he would be travelling in the opposite direction.

Wales prop Rhodri Jones has confirmed he will leave the Scarlets this summer to join the Ospreys. It means the tight-head, who has found his chances limited by competition with Samson Lee, will have to give up his current national dual contract, shared by the Scarlets and the Welsh Rugby Union.