One of Welsh rugby’s brightest young talents, Cardiff Blues prop Rhys Carre, has signed for English giants Saracens.
The Wales U20s international has turned down the offer of a new contract at the Arms Park to join the two-times European champions, much to the disappointment of the Blues.
He also met with incoming Wales coach Wayne Pivac in a bid to keep him on home soil, but despite the best efforts of the WRU and his region, he has decided to make the move across the border.
The 21-year-old loosehead is highly rated for his physicality and ball-carrying ability and has made a big impact during his 17 appearances for the Blues.
At 6ft 3ins and 20st 10lbs, he’s a sizeable specimen and is renowned for his prodigious strength when it comes to lifting weights in the gym, while also being mobile around the park.
It seems that delays due to Project Reset may well have played a part in the Cardiffian's exit.
The Blues were ready to offer him a new contract early last autumn, but had to put that on hold because of the uncertainty over budgets amid the discussions on the future of the regional game in Wales.
That delay meant other teams could target Carre and English champions Saracens stepped in.
The Blues responded by making him an improved offer, but by then he had decided to join the English champions.
The move, however, wouldn't prevent him playing for Wales despite the WRU's 60-cap rule. Here's the explanation why.
Carre will link up with them at the end of this season and will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Owen Farrell, Billy Vunipola, Liam Williams, Maro Itoje and fellow loosehead Mako Vunipola.
It’s understood he appreciates the development and opportunities he has gained at the Blues, but wants a new experience, with a view to returning to Wales in a couple of years time.
Educated at Cowbridge Comprehensive, he won honours for Wales at U18s level before graduating to the U20s, impressing in both the Six Nations and World Cup.
He has made a number of appearances for the Cardiff club side and on the weekend he came off the bench to help them beat Llandovery 35-17 in the WRU Cup semi-final.
Carre's departure is a blow to the Blues, who have had a good record of producing and retaining home-grown talent up to now.
More than 60 per cent of the current squad are Academy products, with the likes of James Botham, Shane Lewis-Hughes and Keiron Assiratti signing senior contracts last month.
