WALES outside half Ceri Sweeney turned down four big money offers from English clubs and another from Wales to join the Newport Gwent Dragons.

The new signing expressed his relief at finding a new team before heading off to Argentina with Wales today, and says he knows he has made the right choice.

"It's disappointing the way everything has happened," he said referring to the demise of Celtic Warriors. "But it's over now and we've got to get on with it.

"I've got to look to my future employment, and the biggest thing is to ensure my rugby doesn't suffer.

"I'm sure I've made the right decision because the Dragons are going in the right direction, their professionalism is second to none and Andy Marinos has just come out of playing so he knows what's required.

"In Wales I had an offer from the Ospreys and the Dragons, and I had four offers from English clubs and a lot of money, too.

"But I was determined not to make a decision based on that, and it's a decision I thought long and hard about.

"People thought the Dragons were no-hopers at the start of last season and they ran them down, but the team built from something like that and they got stronger.

"I'm really looking forward to it, the Dragons are going in the right direction which was a major factor, and it's good to have it sorted sooner rather than later.

"It makes it easier when some of your Welsh teammates are here, and I know a few of the Dragons players anyway from playing during the season."

Sweeney says he is looking forward to playing behind the formidable Dragons pack, and he pays half back partner Gareth Cooper a glowing tribute.

"I knew the Dragons had a good pack, and there's nothing better for an outside half than to play behind something like that because it makes it easier," he said.

"Gareth makes things happen and he can score from anywhere. We should have an exciting backline here."