SOUTH African centre Carl Meyer is hoping a Principality Premiership title push with Ebbw Vale can fuel his bid to become a professional player.

The 23-year-old former Sharks academy player has arrived in the UK on a three-year sporting visa and came off the bench for the Steelmen in their wins against Llanelli and Bedwas.

Meyer, from Pietermaritzburg near Durban, had a spell with the club on their way to the Swalec Championship title last season and has returned with aim of catching the eye of the full-timers.

"I've come over here to pursue a career in rugby and if I get a chance to play professionally then I will grab it and go from there," he said.

"I've come to chase a dream knowing that Ebbw Vale is in the Dragons region and hoping to get an opportunity. At the moment it's just with Ebbw Vale but we will see."

"I love to get my hands on the ball and create things," he continued. "I was originally a 10 and then moved to 12 where I enjoy distributing the ball, but also enjoy a bit of physicality on the crash ball."

Meyer has been reunited with an Ebbw side that can take giant steps towards a top-three place over the next fortnight when they welcome fellow playoff hopefuls Cardiff and Carmarthen Quins to Eugene Cross Park.

The Steelmen will need to be on top of their game tomorrow against a Blue and Blacks side that were edged out by leaders Pontypridd in the capital last weekend but confidence is high after a hard-fought derby win at Bedwas.

"To come back and see us second in the table is great, the boys worked really hard in the off season and have got their rewards," said Meyer.

"The hard has paid off and it's exciting to be part of what we are trying to achieve. I feel that I am at home here because it feels like a family and everyone has made me so welcome."

The Steelmen's last game against Cardiff at Eugene Cross Park was in 2009 when the visitors, who included Ebbw lock Ashley Sweet, eased to a comprehensive 30-3 win.

The tables were turned in the Swalec Cup in 2013 when Vale triumphed 16-11 at the Arms Park.