FORMER Wales captain Matthew Rees will not be joining Worcester Warriors – after signing a new contract with Welsh region Cardiff Blues.

The hooker had been linked with a move to Sixways and is believed to have been offered a deal by Warriors.

But the 34-year-old Rees, who was released by the Blues at the end of last season, was offered a fresh contract by their new coach Danny Wilson.

Rees coached Vale of Glamorgan club Pontyclun last season and is keen to develop that side of things with the Blues.

The news of Rees’ decision to re-sign for the Welsh region will be a blow for Warriors’ director of rugby Dean Ryan.

The Warriors chief is looking to bolster his squad for the club’s return to Aviva Premiership.

Warriors have three first-team hookers on their books - Niall Annett, Dan George and Ben Sowrey – but Ryan will be keen to add an experienced head.