28 Aug 2012

Mathewson to leave Blues and join Western Force

12:56 pm on 28 August 2012

The former All Blacks halfback Alby Mathewson is leaving the Blues, having signed with the Perth-based Western Force for next year's Super Rugby season.

Mathewson, who's 26, played four tests for the All Blacks in 2010 and has spent the past three seasons with the Auckland-based franchise, after playing for the Hurricanes between 2007 and 2009.

He played every game in the Blues' disappointing season this year.

The incoming Force coach Michael Foley says Mathewson will help bring balance to the squad.

Foley says Mathewson has a good all-round game with attacking skills that allow him to identify and exploit opportunities in the defensive line.