Not interested.

Cardiff Blues have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Wales international winger George North, who is set to return home at the end of the season, after agreeing a national dual contract with the WRU.

The 25-year-old now must decide if he wants to sign for the Dragons, Scarlets or Ospreys, with the WRU paying 60% of any contract he signs. Cardiff have decided they will not look for a back-three player, even though Alex Cuthbert is leaving at the end of the season.

The Blues are said to be happy with the emergence of wing Owen Lane and fullback Rhun Williams, and will instead prioritise front-row signings before the 2018-19 season, given that props Taufa’ao Filise and Gethin Jenkins are 40 and 37 respectively, while hooker Matthew Rees is 37.

The Scarlets would have first option on North as his ‘region of origin’ but head coach Wayne Pivac has said they are “not in the market for a wing”.