FORMER Newport Gwent Dragons back Ross Wardle has returned to the club that helped him become a professional by signing a long-term deal with Bedwas.

The centre/wing was released from his contract by the Rodney Parade region in November after sustaining serious knee ligament damage in the pre-season Singha Premiership 7s.

Wardle, whose deal expired this summer, underwent an operation and decided to take a break from rugby to pursue his career as a pharmacist.

However, the 25-year-old from Cardiff will now combine that full-time job with a return to Principality Premiership title hopefuls Bedwas with the aim of making a comeback towards the end of this season.

"It is fantastic to have a player of Ross' standard and quality join us at Bedwas," said head coach Steve Law.

"Ross started his launched his career with us and his experience will be invaluable for the team going forward.

"He is exceptionally committed and driven, both on and off the pitch, and we are very pleased that he has chosen to come back to us."

Strong-running Wardle first caught the eye playing for Bedwas in the Premiership and trained with the Dragons in the summer of 2012, impressing in a friendly against Biarritz in the south of France.

He went on to make a try-scoring debut in the Anglo-Welsh Cup at Bath in November of that year and was rewarded with a professional contract, fitting his rugby commitments in alongside his masters degree in pharmacy at Cardiff University.

Wardle, who played rugby league for Celtic Crusaders, made 50 appearances for the Dragons and scored 12 tries.

Bedwas chairman and director of rugby Mark Lewis said: "It speaks volumes about the work 'Spot' (Steve Law) is doing and the success the team is having that he has decided to join us once again.

"I think I speak for the whole club when I say we're very excited to see him take to pitch again soon."

Bedwas, who are in the semi-finals of the Foster's Challenge Cup as well as in Tier One of the Premiership, host Glamorgan Wanderers in the WRU National Cup on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).