PERCY Montgomery is back in town bursting with life and with a new goal.

That goal is the Heineken Cup and Montgomery says Newport Gwent Dragons have got to go flat out to win it.

Montgomery arrived in Newport yesterday fresh from his brilliant return to international rugby and eager for a new challenge with the Dragons.

Monty played a key role for South Africa in their return to the top by lifting the Tri Nations trophy this summer, but is also delighted he has extended his contract with the Dragons to 2006.

Despite playing in another seven internationals in the past few months to add to the 50 caps he had already won and despite that following on from the key role he played for the Dragons in their title push, Monty still can't wait to resume here.

He is clearly on a high after his successful year and his spirits are not dampened even by the wet weather which greeted his return.

He is also looking forward to working with Chris Anderson and is not in the least bothered about the new Dragons coach's lack of union experience, agreeing wholeheartedly with his tough line on fitness.

"I'm very excited about things. It was a challenge returning to international rugby and it was a challenge coming overseas," he said.

"I re-signed with Newport and I showed my faith in staying just as I said I would. I'm a man of my word.

"I met Chris when I was in Australia and I'm looking forward to being part of the squad. I don't expect to go straight back in.

"I'm looking forward to playing with all the new guys, I know there are a lot of new faces as well as a new coach which means we will have to build team spirit again.

"But it's going to be awesome meeting new players and making new friends again. I'll definitely be at the Cardiff game (Saturday night).

"I'm glad they've been able to strengthen the squad. We want to win the Heineken Cup. That's what I really want. It's the highest level we can play, so we need the best players and if we can make it, it will be good for Welsh rugby and for ourselves.

"We can all learn from Chris Anderson. The fitter you are the better, and that can only benefit the team."

Monty will discuss quickly a date for his return and he remains undaunted about his new 12-months-a-year career in all forms of rugby.

"It's all about managing the player," he said. "I want to play and it's important we get the most out of it. I've had two weeks vacation and I'm raring to go. I'm up for it, you know me, I always am."

He is thrilled with his return to the international fold and the resurgence of the Springboks after some lean years. And he says his role with the Dragons, especially place kicking, reaped a rich reward.

"For me to come back and play with people I had before like Breyton Paulse was unbelievable. I was happy to be there, there was no pressure other than kicking, I played my own game and I enjoyed it," he said.

"It was fantastic, I can't explain it. The South Africa fans are just as passionate as the Welsh and they really got behind us.

"Our success was just what the country needed after being in turmoil. I always knew we could come back if things were sorted out and with Jake White there managing the side, well we just wanted to play rugby.

"We took it game by game, starting with Ireland, and we finished it off with the Tri Nations title, so we reached our goals.

"I had worked very hard at Newport with my kicking and changed a few things. The challenge keeps me going."

Monty is now looking for more and can hardly believe the positive turn his career has taken. "It's been a great year, I've played my best rugby and I haven't had a better year ever," he said.