EBBW Vale have signed former Newport Gwent Dragons, Scarlets and Bristol centre Gareth Maule as a player-coach.

The 29-year-old from Pontypool is heading back to Eugene Cross Park after cutting his teeth with the Steelmen as a young Dragon.

“It’s great to be involved again with Ebbw Vale, where I gained my first taste of senior rugby,” said Maule, who played 19 times for the Dragons between 2006 and 2009.

“They are a friendly but ambitious club and the opportunity to work alongside Nigel Davies in my home region is one which I look forward to.”

Head coach Davies added: “As a player Gareth brings physicality and both an attacking and defensive edge which he has displayed time and time again at the top level.

“He’s a talented individual with a mass of experience, he’s shown during his time with me at the Scarlets and at Bristol. We are excited to have him here.”

Maule joined Bristol in 2014 and made 28 competitive appearances for the club, scoring seven tries and helping them achieve promotion before leaving in November.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to secure someone of Gareth’s calibre. He’s got a wealth of Heineken Cup and Pro12 experience and is a consummate professional,” said Ebbw chairman Jonathan Jones.

“We are confident he will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and professionalism to the club which will no doubt improve and enthuse the current squad.”

Ebbw face a massive game at Eugene Cross Park in the defence of their Premiership title.

The ninth-placed Steelmen entertain eighth-placed Cardiff with just two rounds until the league splits in two.

Maule is not named in the 23-man squad, although AN Other is listed at 13...