Wales wing Alex Cuthbert believes time at Exeter had major impact on his career

Wales wing Alex Cuthbert believes a three-year stint with English giants Exeter “rejuvenated” him and reinforced his self-belief to perform at the highest level.

Cuthbert knew he would be ineligible for his country when he joined the Chiefs, as he did not meet the 60-cap selection threshold for players plying their trade outside Wales.

He subsequently returned to Wales, joining the Ospreys and reclaiming a Test place during this season’s Autumn Nations Series four years after last representing his country.

And it has proved a spectacular return, highlighted by an outstanding display in Wales’ 23-19 Guinness Six Nations defeat against England when the 31-year-old ran a total of 68 metres further than any other player on the pitch.

It ended a week he is unlikely to forget, with his 50th cap following the birth of daughter Coco on Wednesday.

“I enjoyed every minute of the three years I spent at Exeter, and that probably rejuvenated me. I knew I was good enough to play,” Cuthbert said.

“When I was fit, I was in that starting team and I loved every minute of it.

“If I ever came back to Wales, would I get back into the Wales team? Deep down, probably not. When I left, I thought that was going to be it for Wales.

“But Wayne (Wales head coach Wayne Pivac) has given me a chance, and I am just trying to take every opportunity I can.

“It is like back when I was 22 or 23. When I had opportunities, I took them.

“I always wanted to play for Wales again, especially being so close to 50 caps. That was a big milestone, and it was one of my goals when I started.”

Having a young family has taken my mind off a lot of the rugby. When I was younger, I put more pressure on myself- Wales wing Alex Cuthbert

Dan Biggar compared Cuthbert’s