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Blaine Scully has opted to end his Cardiff Blues stay early, announcing on Wednesday that he would be returning home to the USA to focus on World Cup preparations and ‘the next experience’. An appearance in Major League Rugby has been speculated but the USA captain has not revealed his plans in detail.
Now 31 years old, Scully has spent the last six seasons in Europe. He signed a two-year deal with the Leicester Tigers in 2013 and then moved to Cardiff in 2015, where the Sacramento native has been a regular, playing more than 50 for the Guinness Pro Championship side.
Scully signed a new contract in October 2017. The length was undisclosed at the time but it’s believed that he had one year remaining. His departure from Cardiff appears to have been prompted by the increasing competition at the Blues on the wing, with youngsters Owen Lane and Aled Summerhill breaking into the senior side.
At the international level Scully remains an automatic selection for the Eagles. He is expected to lead the side to the 2019 World Cup in Japan, as he did during the recent Americas Rugby Championship. Scully is now just four tests shy from becoming the 10th USA player to reach 50 caps.
The Blues posted a farewell video on social media, while Scully released a letter thanking the club and the fans. Both can be seen below.
It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to the absolute legend that is @BlaineScully1 .
Thank you for everything you have given in a @cardiff_blues jersey and good luck for the @rugbyworldcup with @USARugby , you will be missed by all @ArmsParkCardiff
USA! USA! USA! pic.twitter.com/FYJgdi33VI
— Cardiff Blues (@cardiff_blues) May 8, 2019
