BARELY a fortnight ago James Arlidge was playing for Japan in the Pacific Nations tournament, but this week has arrived in Wales to begin a two-year contract with Newport Gwent Dragons.

The outside half admits it’s going to be a big culture change after playing in his native New Zealand and Japan, but is looking forward to helping provide the direction and control the Dragons have been lacking.

“Wales is a very different place from where I’ve come and finished up two weeks ago,” admitted the tall, gangling type of player, aged 29 like compatriots Tom Willis and Grant Webb, but looking considerably younger.

“I’m looking forward to spending time on the paddock and playing some games,” said Arlidge, one of the leading scorers in the Pacific tournament, scoring 65 points to prove he’s a useful place kicker.

“I kicked a few goals in the Pacific Nations and I like to think I can control a game and choose the right options to win a game as well as running a game plan and altering things if need be.

“I’ve spoken to coach Paul Turner, and it’s obvious he is very passionate and loves his rugby. He wants the team to do well and as he is a former outside half I can pick his brains as well.

“I had heard the Dragons weren’t doing too well, but Paul believes the team doesn’t belong in the lower part of the table, so it’s all about creating a winning environment.”

Arlidge first sprung to prominence in New Zealand as a reserve for Carlos Spencer back in 2001 with the CATS where John Kirwan was coach, this year also coaching the Japan side Arlidge played for.

After a year playing for the Highlanders Arlidge uprooted to Japan where he spent four years, playing for the national team after qualifying on residence and for NTT Docomo.

“It was a very fast style of rugby, obviously the players were not as big so relied more on speed and agility,” he said.

“I had a great time there, but I’m happy to be in Wales, I know the Welsh public love their rugby and everything seems pretty positive.”

Turner explained that getting their foreign and overseas quota up to strength was bringing them into line with the other Welsh regions and was part of the new three-year plan he had put to the board which had been accepted.

“We decided to get our act together to build for the future and move into the new stadium so that we could compete with European sides,” he said.

“We went through a pretty lean period last season and I felt we lacked leadership and direction which was part of my reason for going to New Zealand.

“I could see that games were slipping away which shouldn’t have and as many as 14 games went down to the last play.”

Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins said, “We are clearly developing. We have announced plans for the stadium, we have the community programme and we are introducing new players. We have new shirt sponsors Canterbury for four years and a new front line sponsor in Motorpoint.

“In difficult economic times they have shown faith in backing us and we are growing our brand as well as retaining our other sponsors.”

Motorpoint, who have signed a six figure deal with the Dragons for two years with an option for a third, are giving Dragons fans the chance to win pairs of season tickets throughout August.

To win one of three pairs fans can collect an entry form from Motorpoint at Queens Industrial Estate, Newport, between August 1-31, with winners notified on September 2 in time for the first home game against Glasgow four days later.