Wales duo turn backs on France for Newport

In a reversal of recent trends, Wales duo Lee Byrne and Aled Brew are set to return from French club rugby to join Newport, the Welsh side announced Wednesday. Full-back Byrne will join at the end of the current season on a two-year deal from Clermont, with Biarritz wing Brew returning on a three-year contract. Byrne, capped 46 times by Wales and a tourist with the 2009 British and Irish Lions in South Africa, is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. "I am excited to be returning to Wales to play again. I hope to bring my experiences from France back to the Dragons," former Ospreys star Byrne, 33, said in a Newport statement. The 27-year-old Brew, who has won three Wales caps, added: "I have really enjoyed my time in France and would like to think I've learned a lot during my time in Biarritz and that I've become a better player because of it. I have no regrets at all about my time in French rugby. It has been a fantastic experience, but I feel it's the right time to come home for me and my family." Newport rugby director Lyn Jones said: "I am absolutely delighted to sign someone of Lee's experience and calibre. "He has proved himself in Britain and France as a top-quality number 15. "It's a significant signing for us, a player who is going to help the growth of our Gwent side while helping to develop Hallam Amos as a future Welsh 15. "Aled has shown a desire to come back to his natural home of Newport Gwent Dragons, where he was extremely popular with the supporters in the past and proved to be an excellent try-scorer." Source: AFP