PERCY Montgomery has been given the all-clear to resume his international career next month -- against Wales.

The Newport Gwent Dragons star had his injured hand examined yesterday before returning to South Africa last night.

The broken bone was confirmed, but the injury was not as bad as first feared and the plaster was removed.

He was told not to play for at least two weeks, though Monty says he will probably leave it for three.

"It's great news, the break is not as bad as first thought, but I'll probably give it three weeks," he said.

He could well miss South Africa's first June international against Ireland on the 12th, but is set to return to international rugby after a two-year gap in the second Test a week later.

Then comes the big one against Wales at Pretoria on June 26 when Montgomery could well come face to face against some of his fellow players from the Dragons.

"It'll be great to play for the Springboks again," said Montgomery, who will win his 51st cap when he does resume, though it's not clear in what position.

Most of his rugby for South Africa has been played at full back, but he has shown his adaptability by playing brilliantly for the Dragons at outside centre for most of the season.

Coach Mike Ruddock, meanwhile, has spoken of his marvellous season with the Dragons, and he predicts a bright future.

"It was a great rugby experience and a great life experience," he said.

"It reminds me of when I put the Leinster team together in 1997-98 when Reggie Corrigan was a second division player, Trevor Brennan was starting out, Leo Cullen was a kid, Brian O'Driscoll was playing for a university team at outside half and Gordon D'Arcy was still at school.

"They grew into household names and respected players. Our boys have gone a long way towards achieveing that, a lot are knocking on the door and have come a long way and a lot will go on to bigger and better things.

"All the Welsh teams need to get bigger and stronger to match Leinster's power in the second half against us which was huge.

"The Dragons will be in great hands with Declan Kidney and I don't see why they can't do it again, especially with Tony Brown there."