FORMER Dragons fly-half Arwel Robson believes he has returned to Wales a better player after signing for Cardiff.

The 26-year-old from Penallta has linked up with the Arms Park side after spending the last two seasons in the English Championship with Cornish Pirates.

The former Wales Under-20s playmaker has trained with his new teammates and boosts Cardiff’s options after the losses of Wales internationals Jarrod Evans and Rhys Priestland.

Robson will battle with fellow new signing Tinus de Beer, fly-half/centre Ben Thomas and the academy duo of Harrison James and Harri Wilde for the 10 jersey.

He said: “I’m incredibly excited to make the move to Cardiff. It’s an honour to be able to play at the Arms Park and I can’t wait to get the chance to run out here for the first time.

“I grew up on the terraces of the Arms Park, in a family of Cardiff season ticket holders and I was a ball boy for years so it is a club that means a huge amount to me and my family.

“After speaking to Matt [Sherrat, head coach] about the style of play he wants to utilise, I’m confident it will really suit me and also continue to bring my game on.

“I’m very grateful to everyone at Cornish Pirates for the opportunity and support they gave me in the past few years.

“I’ve played a lot of rugby down there and feel I am returning to Wales a better player and I am looking forward to continuing my development at the Arms Park.

“Cardiff also have a reputation for developing talent and the progression of players from the academy right through to the senior national team is testament to that.

“Now I am just looking forward to getting on the training pitch and competing for game time.”

South Wales Argus: Arwel Robson breaks through the defence for the DragonsArwel Robson breaks through the defence for the Dragons

Robson came through the ranks at the Dragons and impressed with Newport RFC in the Premiership.

He made his professional debut against Leicester at Welford Road in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in November, 2016 but suffered from a series of injuries that limited him to 24 appearances.

Now he returns to Wales as a more experienced player who has profited from pulling the strings in England's second tier.

Sherratt said: “We are delighted have have signed Arwel for this season. He has a good skill set, will challenge the line and having regular game time has improved his in game management.

“He has played a significant amount with Cornish Pirates over the past two seasons which is a sign of a player who was willing to take himself out of his comfort zone to go to a new club and get regular game time. It shows he is driven.

“Added to that he has a connection with the region and a point to prove in the Welsh professional game. He gives us a bit more depth at 10 and has slotted in well to training.”