Dai Young has confirmed Max Llewellyn is set to leave the club at the end of the 2022-23 season.
The centre is out of contract in the summer and with an embargo on retention and recruitment in Wales during ongoing discussion at a PRB level, the Cardiff director of rugby hands have been tied.
Llewellyn, who has come through the club’s pathway, has now decided to look over the border to secure his financial future.
Speaking to the media following the Blue and Blacks 41-0 victory over Brive in the Europe Challenge Cup, Young said: “Yes, unfortunately that's the case. But can you blame these boys?
“That's the question we've got to ask ourselves. Unfortunately they've got to look at their futures, their job security and at this moment in time, until things are resolved, we are pretty much in a situation where can't do anything on that.
“It's hugely disappointing. We are trying to build something but it's not different to any of the other regions, this isn't just a Cardiff thing. This is a Welsh rugby thing.
“We are try to build something and the last thing you want to do is lose players but unfortunately that's going to be the case until this situation is resolved.
"It shouldn't be a surprise when things drag on as long as they have. At the end of the day they've got mortgages to pay, they've got careers they've got to look after.
"He won't be the first and he certainly won't be the last unless things can get resolved very quickly.”
"We've got 20-odd players out of contract and I couldn't tell you if any of them are going to be here.
"At the end of the day we want to keep the majority of the players but if this goes on for much longer and if people start putting contracts in front of these players they have to do what is best for them and their families.
"I don't think players are desperate to leave Welsh rugby but at the end of the day they have to look after themselves. I think in all walks of life we understand how difficult it must be for everybody."