BEDWAS have pulled off a coup with the signing of powerful number eight Morgan Allen from the Scarlets.

The 27-year-old from Cwmbran arrived at Bridge Field after two seasons in Llanelli, making 25 appearances for the Guinness PRO12 champions.

Allen became a Wales Under-20s international after catching the eye with Pontypool in the Principality Premiership but found his route to regional rugby with the Dragons blocked by his international age-grade teammate Taulupe Faletau.

The Ospreys offered him a professional deal in 2010 and the strong-running back rower made 53 appearances before heading for the Scarlets.

Allen, son of former Wales, Newbridge and Newport lock Andy, has suffered from injury misfortune but will provide Bedwas with explosive ball carrying and fill the void left by Robson Blake, who has earned a one-year deal with the Dragons.

Bedwas lifted the Foster’s Challenge Cup last season, beating a Carmarthen Quins side featuring Allen in the final, and made the Tier One play-offs of the Premiership.

Head coach Ian Gardner has taken the reins from Steve Law and believes their new recruit shows the desire to build on a terrific campaign.

“We are excited to sign a player of Morgan's ability, especially given the number of clubs coveting his signature,” said Gardner, who was Law’s right-hand man.

“It is a statement of intent from the new management team and demonstrates the ambition of the club.”

Allen made a solitary appearance for Bedwas against Llandovery at Bridge Field in October, 2008 and is relishing his return.

He said: “I'm very much looking forward to working with Ian Gardner and the rest of the coaches at Bedwas. Their and the club’s ambition to win trophies matches my own.”

Allen is the second former professional to sign for Bedwas this summer after they swooped for 26-year-old ex-Dragons and Bedford fly-half Steffan Jones.