JASON Tovey has returned to Cardiff Blues on a two-year deal after his release by the Dragons.

The fly-half signed for hometown club Cross Keys last summer after he failed to get a fresh contract at Edinburgh.

The 30-year-old returned to the Dragons for a third spell on permit because of injuries before being given a permanent deal in January.

Tovey made 15 appearances, passed 1,000 points for the Rodney Parade region and his last act was a match-winning conversion in the Judgement Day win against the Scarlets at Principality Stadium.

The left-footer's final Dragons tally was 1,009 points in 178 appearances and he will now return to the Arms Park, aiming for better luck than an ill-fated season in the capital in 2012/13.

"I'm very grateful to have been given a second opportunity to join Cardiff Blues," said Tovey, who made his Dragons debut in 2008.

"I still have a lot more to give to the professional game and I can't wait to get started with the boys later this month.

"I've grown a lot as a person both on and off the field since 2012 and feel my particular strengths can help the team. The opportunity to learn off the players and coaches already here will also only help improve me as an individual.

"Watching the Blues last season, they play an exciting brand of rugby, score a lot of tries and have a lot of young talent coming through like Jarrod Evans, Tomos Williams and Owen Lane.

"I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with these boys during the next couple of seasons."

After the departure of Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe to the Ospreys, Tovey will be a seasoned campaigner to provide cover and help develop the talented Evans.

Blues coach John Mulvihill said: "Jason will add important depth in the number 10 jersey for us, which is crucial in a Rugby World Cup season.

"There's every possibility that Jarrod will be on the plane to Japan, so it became a priority for us to look for cover in his position.

"Jason has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Guinness PRO14, and he will be available all season which makes him an ideal signing for us.

"We'll also have options at outside half with the likes of Matthew Morgan, Dan Fish and Ben Thomas capable of slotting in, but Jason is an out-and-out number 10 who will take pressure off these guys, especially during the crucial first few weeks of the campaign."

Tovey follows wing/full-back Hallam Amos in swapping Rodney Parade for the Arms Park.

The Dragons released the fly-half after pursuing and then signing Wales international Sam Davies, who will have Josh Lewis and Arwel Robson as rivals for the 10 jersey.