Cardiff Blues and Blaine Scully have mutually agreed to part ways following the wing’s four seasons at the Arms Park.
The USA captain arrived in Wales following the World Cup in 2015, and quickly became a crowd favourite due to his unwavering passion, fierce commitment and professionalism. But with a third Rugby World Cup appearance on the horizon and the growing emergence of young talent and new arrivals at the Arms Park, it was time for Scully to move onto his next challenge.
Scully said: “The timing is right, and more than anything I’m grateful for the time my wife and I have had here. Everyone has welcomed us with open arms, and we couldn’t have been prouder to call this team and this place home for the last couple of years.
“I’m excited to return to the United States and focus on the upcoming World Cup, and then look forward to our next experience.”
“I wish the Blues great success going forward. They will always have a special place in my heart.”
Scully, 31, made 52 appearances for Wales’ Capital Region, scoring 12 tries in the process, most notably a crucial late try in last season’s European Challenge Cup triumph over Gloucester.
And the wing leaves Wales with nothing but gratitude for every moment he has shared in a Cardiff Blues jersey.
He continued: “I have been very fortunate to have played for two of the proudest and most historic clubs in Europe (Leicester Tigers and Cardiff Blues) and to share a field (Arms Park) that so many greats have played on, in front of so many wonderful fans and supporters for these last years. That’s not something I could ever have imagined as a young kid from California.
“Hearing USA chants throughout the Arms Park in Cardiff, Wales’ capital city is pretty surreal at times. We’ve had some incredible results on the field, I was very fortunate to be a part of that and I’m leaving with nothing but gratitude.
“Bilbao was an incredible experience and I was happy to share the field with a group of men I respect more than anything else. A huge thank you to my teammates, who have made this such a truly valuable experience, the supporters, fans and the larger Blues family.”
Scully will depart with immediate effect ahead of linking up with USA in June for the Pacific Nations Cup as preparations for the World Cup intensify and Mulvihill has paid tribute to the popular wing.
Mulvihill added: “Blaine’s not only an outstanding rugby professional, on and off the field, but a true gentleman with immense class.
He has not only been an excellent example to all but a real mentor of back three players like Matthew Morgan, Owen Lane and Aled Summerhill. Their development has been accelerated by working directly with Blaine.
“I am looking forward to seeing Blaine lead USA in the Rugby World Cup, and after a number of conversations seeing what exciting things are on the horizon for him back home.”