Cardiff Blues have signed Wales-eligible back Gareth Anscombe from Waikato Chiefs on “a long-term deal”, the Celtic League club announced on Thursday.

Anscombe, who can play at fly-half or fullback, was born in Auckland but has a Welsh mother and will now look to break into the Wales squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.

The 23-year-old said “the opportunity in Wales was one that I simply couldn’t turn down” and that he was “really excited to be joining a region like Cardiff Blues”.

On his chances of playing for Wales, he added: “Much has been made about my Welsh eligibility, and there is no doubt that my mother’s side of the family have always reinforced my Welshness.

“However, I am under no illusions and my focus is very much on the Blues, and if the opportunity to represent Wales comes as a result of my performances on the pitch, then of course I will take it.”

Anscombe helped New Zealand to victory in the Under-20 World Championship three years ago and has scored more than 250 points for the Chiefs in his Super Rugby career.

Anscombe’s arrival will offset the loss of Wales international Leigh Halfpenny, who has left Cardiff to join French side Toulon.