AFTER proving he was ready for a return to action by smashing into teammate Ashton Hewitt, Newport Gwent Dragons winger Tom Prydie has Guinness Pro12 rivals in his sights.

The 24-year-old speedster played for the first time since December when he lined up for Bedwas in their Principality Premiership win against Newport at Rodney Parade on Sunday.

Prydie ruptured knee ligaments at the same ground when side-stepping in the European Rugby Challenge Cup clash against Pau, needing oxygen on the pitch before being helped off the field.

The five-times capped Wales international had played 30 games in 2014/15 but managed just six last season, instead enduring months of rehab after going under the knife.

"This injury was especially tough to take because it was clear I would be out for a long time," said Prydie.

"But it's one of those things that you just have to accept as a professional rugby player. You just have to get on with it, be as positive as you can be and not dwell on things.

"I've work hard to get back and it was great to be back out on the field taking some contact. It was a long time coming."

Prydie lined up on the right flank for the Bridge Field side in the first half on Sunday while Hewitt, Argus Dragon of the Year after a breakthrough campaign, also made his return when wearing the Black and Ambers' 14 jersey.

The 21-year-old speedster had shoulder surgery at the end of last season and the duo have helped each other to get back into the mix for selection.

"We had a couple of weeks of contact training with me and Ashton smashing each other to pass that test," said Prydie.

"He was on his way back from his shoulder injury and it just happened to be that we needed the same thing to show we were ready to return to play.

"We used each other as tackle shields – Ashton's not as light as he looks! – and now we are both looking forward to pushing for starts with the Dragons.

"It's been good having him there with me because we are the same position we have been able to work on things together in training.

"We ticked off another box on Sunday by both having 40 minutes and we are both looking forward to putting ourselves in contention."

Prydie and Hewitt are set to feature in the Premiership again on Saturday rather than for the Dragons against Munster but will soon be welcome additions to what is already a fierce battle for starts in the back three.

Pat Howard has scored tries in the games against Ulster and Zebre and looked lively since his summer move from Northampton while Hallam Amos, Adam Warren and Adam Hughes are other senior options out wide with Carl Meyer, Nick Macleod and Geraint Rhys Jones in the mix at full-back.

"Pat has done well on the wing so far and there is more competition in the squad, which is what we need to drive everyone on," said Prydie, an option at 15 as well as out wide.

"It's clear that we are looking to pass the ball around a lot more this season and that will be good for us outside backs.

"It was good to win against Zebre last weekend after we hadn't won for a long time but we know that we have to improve against Munster, because unfortunately the performance wasn't quite what we wanted."