Cardiff Rugby fly-half Arwel Robson is set to leave the region ahead of next season after a "frustrating" year at his boyhood club.
The 27-year-old, who represented Wales at Under 20s level, signed for Cardiff in September after spending two seasons with Cornish Pirates. He started his professional career with the Dragons, making his debut in 2016 before leaving for Cornwall five years later.
Signed to add further depth to Matt Sherratt's fly-half resources and competing with Tinus de Beer, Robson has struggled to make his mark at Arms Park, making just three URC appearances so far this season. However, having kept up his match fitness turning out for Cardiff RFC in the Welsh Premiership, he believes he is in the best shape of his career and is now weighing up his options as the campaign draws to a close.
SIGN UP: Get the new exclusive Inside Welsh rugby newsletter for full insight into what's really going on around all the big issues. This special offer will get you full access for the entire year for just £10 instead of £40.
OPINION: An Anglo-Welsh league is the 'bold decision' the WRU should pursue
In an interview with The Rugby Paper, Robson said that despite a lack of minutes, his time at Cardiff had been "invaluable" and helped take his skillset up a level. But with the regions' budgets set to shrink further and amid interest from France, he admits that there are "only so many opportunities in Wales" as he looks to take his career forward.
He said training and working day-in, day-out with the likes of Tinus de Beer, Mason Grady, Josh Adams and others has helped improve his game, while he praised the intensity of the Cardiff training environment despite admitting frustrations at his lack of game time.
Robson had been a standout for the Cornish Pirates, scoring 280 points in 47 games during his two years in Penzance, and admitted he was relishing the opportunity to turn out for Cardiff when his signing was announced last year. Things haven't panned out as he was hoping they would, with de Beer enjoying a standout campaign, but the 27-year-old insists he has "no regrets" about returning to Wales and joining his boyhood team.
“I came to Cardiff with the intention of playing a lot of rugby," he continued. "It's my boyhood dream and the club I supported as a boy,” Robson said. “I have no regrets following my dream because rugby is a short career and you have to take the opportunities when they come.
“But I can only do what I can get, I'm not picking the team and I can't change people's opinions. Tinus has gone well, but they have preferred a 6-2 split on the bench and that's meant there's been fewer opportunities off the bench.
"There's been less clashes with internationals, that has also meant less opportunities," he added. "I've had to be the travelling reserve a number of times, and that's just professional sport and I've just got to live with it.”
While Robson's mindset is overwhelmingly positive, he admits this season has been "tough to take" with the fly-half frustrated by the lack of time he has spent out on the pitch. But as he and many others in Welsh rugby weigh up their futures, it is clear he is hungrier than ever to showcase what he can do, with France a possible next destination.
“It's been tough to take, and it's not been nice to watch at times," he said as he reflected on the season. "The most frustrating thing is not being able to show the ability I have, and with results as they've been I thought I'd get more opportunities.
“The regions squads are shrinking again for next season, and with there being only so many opportunities in Wales it's probably the toughest time to be a professional rugby player. I know some boys looking at options away from Wales or away from the sport, but rugby is all I know, and I've had some interest from clubs in France which is exciting.
Robson added. "I feel I'm in my prime and I'm just hungry for that next opportunity and to show what I can do.”