CROSS Keys have given former Cardiff hooker Greg Woods the chance to resurrect his professional career.

It was thought the 23-year-old, formerly number two at Cardiff to firstly Jonathan Humphreys and then Andrew Lewis, might not play again after a serious neck injury.

The Cwmcarn-born ex UWIC player had to have three discs removed from his spine and with doubt over his future was released by the Arms Park club.

He has now been given the go-ahead by the specialist to play again and has joined Premier Division Keys until the end of the season.

"I approached him before the start of the season," said Keys coach David Rees, "but he said he did not feel it was right to join anyone before he knew is he could play again.

"But he promised me that if he was given the all-clear he would join Cross Keys and he has kept to his word.

"He is keen to prove himself again and sees this as a chance to resurrect his career and if we can help him along that path that's fine.

"I'd like to think he will stay with us for a while but if in time he wins a full time contract with a region, so be it."

Woods, who has bought a house in Abercarn, won Wales honours for the Under-18s and Under-21s as a prop before converting to hooker at UWIC.

He will not find it easy to establish himself at Keys for young hooker Andrew Brown has been in outstanding form all season and seems to have a bright future.

"Andrew has been in terrific form," said Rees, "but with Kevin Lewis having broken a leg, he has had to play in virtually every game.

"By signing Greg he can offer Andrew his experience while at the same time giving us the chance to rest him.

"But I'd like to point out that Kevin Lewis is still part of this club as well and we look forward to his return."