By Jake Maddaford
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth has confirmed wing Alex Cuthbert is to leave the club at the end of the season, which could leave him heading back across the border to England.
The departure of the Wales and Lions wing will bring an end to his three-year stay at the club, after joining from Exeter Chiefs in 2021.
“This part of the season is always a tough time, especially when you have to say goodbye to players that have given a lot to the club over the years,” said Booth.
“We wanted to get this announcement out prior to our last home fixture so that our supporters could join us in thanking the boys for everything they’ve contributed in an Ospreys jersey.”
Cuthbert, 34, will sadly be unable to play in his region’s last home match at the Swansea.com stadium against the Dragons this Saturday, as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in March.
This is my overriding memory of the then world class Alex Cuthbert https://t.co/UeipTXRCM8
— Daf Rhys Jones (@dafs_r_jones) April 8, 2024
His availability could well interest both the Dragons and Scarlets, as well as a number of clubs in England, where he enjoyed a successful stint with Exeter Chiefs.
Cuthbert is leaving along with fellow internationals George North and Nicky Smith, plus Toby Fricker, Mat Protheroe, Will Hickey and Cam Jones.
Someone else who wore the Ospreys shirt club but has moved on is fly-half Gareth Anscombe, who recently ruled himself out of Wales’ tour of Australia.
The New Zealand-born Welsh international has not played since October of last year after picking up a groin injury during the World Cup.
“I have made myself unavailable for the summer tour which probably was something which I didn’t want to do,” Anscombe told the Scrum V podcast.
An incredible last-ditch tackle!
Zach Mercer of @bathrugby denies Alex Cuthbert one of the #GallagherPrem tries of the season!
Out of nowhere! pic.twitter.com/r2AKQaFiPh
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 25, 2019
“It is not easy to say no. I have always wanted to tour Australia. It’s the only one I have never done, and I have family that live there.
“If I had gone I would have gone almost the whole season without playing and then be playing at the highest level after not much preparation.
“But Gats (Gatland) and I had a good chat in the Six Nations, when we were just eyeing up the next period.
