Aled excited by new move

9:57am Friday 6th June 2008

Incoming outside half Aled Thomas has insisted he was only too happy to switch the bright lights of the Celtic League for life in National League One with London Welsh.

Thomas made 44 appearances for the Newport Gwent Dragons over a three-year span at the Rodney Parade club, notching 109 points.

And having endured a frustrating stop-start time at the Welsh club, the 23-year-old is eager to make his mark at the Exiles.

Thomas said: "Sitting on the bench for the Dragons was not doing my career development any good.

"I need to be playing more regular rugby and I'm looking forward to proving myself in a really competitive league."

Thomas fills the void left by last season's pivot, Matthew Jones, who was snapped up by Premiership outfit Worcester Warriors this week.

And the former Scarlets man is confident he has the tools to succeed.

He added: "I think I have a good mix to my game.

"I'm very comfortable with my passing and I'm pretty confident in my kicking game as well.

"But stuck behind Ceri Sweeney for the last two seasons has been very frustrating."

The capture of Thomas is further proof that the Exiles are willing to open the chequebook in order to compete this season.

And he was joined on the newly-contracted list by winger Michael Tagicakibau, with the Fijian international extending his stay at Old Deer Park.

The 23-year-old was recently included in the Fijian squad for the forthcoming IRB Pacific Nations Cup, having won his sole international cap to date against Samoa in last year's tournament.

Meanwhile, Thomas is under no illusions about the size of his task.

He revealed: "Martin Jones (coach) is hoping for me to prove myself to be the man.

"I want to earn the position more than it being given to me.

"The ambition here at the club is to go up and I look forward to being part of that."

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