EBBW Vale have landed a big boost to their squad ahead of the Principality Premiership season by re-signing Carl Meyer after his release from the Dragons.

The South African utility back left Rodney Parade at the end of last season and had been linked with a move to Cardiff Blues.

But the 27-year-old, who earned his Dragons chance in 2015 thanks to his exploits in midfield for the Steelmen before moving to full-back, will instead return to Eugene Cross Park.

Former Sharks academy prospect Meyer made 64 regional appearances, becoming a regular in his first two campaigns thanks to his big right boot and solidity in the back field, but was hindered by injury last season.

He will stay in Wales and boost Ebbw ahead of a key season in which relegation has returned to the Premiership, a timely signing after fly-half/centre Dai Langdon was ruled out for at least three months with a shoulder injury.

Meyer will feature in the final pre-season fixture against Chinnor at Nantyglo on Saturday while his fellow former Dragon Ashley Sweet is hopeful of returning to fitness ahead of the season opener against Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets.