Cuthbert to miss NZ tour after surgery

Cardiff said that the 25-year-old, who was already sidelined by a heel problem sustained during the Six Nations, had flown to Sweden for an operation on a "longstanding" problem affecting a tendon in his right knee.

Cuthbert, capped 42 times, is expected to be out of action for around 12 weeks, meaning that he will not be fit in time for Wales's four-match tour of New Zealand, which begins on June 11.

"Alex was already out of action with a heel injury and due to the length of time he was set to miss, the decision has been taken for him to also have surgery on his knee," Cardiff head coach Danny Wilson told the club website.

"Clearly Alex will be disappointed to miss the end of this season with Cardiff Blues and the chance to go on the summer tour with Wales to New Zealand.

"However, this decision has been taken for his long-term health and so we wish him well as he commences his rehabilitation."

Agence France-Presse