WINGER Alex Cuthbert will miss the rest of Cardiff Blues' season and Wales' tour to New Zealand after undergoing knee surgery.

The speedster has been sidelined since suffering a heel injury during the Six Nations and had been expected to miss ten weeks of action, missing his club's push for Champions Cup rugby.

After discussions with the Welsh Rugby Union and Blues' medical teams, the 25-year-old opted to go under the knife on a long-standing knee issue.

The rehabilitation time is expected to be 12 weeks, ruling Cuthbert out of the three-Test tour to face the All Blacks in June.

Cuthbert was selected for the Six Nations fixtures against France and England after missing out to clubmate Tom James in the opening two rounds against Ireland and Scotland.

Newport Gwent Dragons wing Hallam Amos wore the 11 jersey in the finale against Italy and now looks certain to tour New Zealand along with the likely Test back three of George North, Liam Williams and the fit-again Leigh Halfpenny.

"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," said Blues head coach Danny Wilson.

"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."

Cuthbert it out of contract at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park at the end of the season and there is uncertainty over his future. The Lions wing has been offered a fresh deal but has not yet signed it.