ANDREW Wagstaff restores Newport's West country link as he moves from one Gwent club to another.

Wagstaff, an Englishman who qualifies for Wales, joined Ebbw Vale three years ago from UWIC where he was studying.

After living in Cardiff he moved across the Severn Bridge last year to settle in Bristol with his girl friend.

With Peter Buxton having left for Gloucester, Wagstaff could even replace him in the car which brings Bristolians Ben Breeze and Jonathan Pritchard to Rodney Parade, though that spot could be taken by another imminent Newport signing from just across the bridge.

"I was having to get up at 6.30 am to be at Aberdare by 8 to train with Ebbw Vale, whereas now I will have to be at Newport by 10am, so it's a good move for me all round!" joked Wagstaff, who has signed a one-year deal with Newport.

Wagstaff is from Southend, but is now an adopted Welshman, and he is looking forward to renewing the relationship with coaches Leigh Jones and Richard Hill he had in his first year at Ebbw Vale.

"I had a good relationship with them, they are brilliant coaches and I'm looking forward to working with them again," he said.

But first he had another duty to perform yesterday, saying goodbye to his Ebbw Vale teammates.

"I went up there for the last time and it was a bit sad, I enjoyed my time there," he said. "But it's time to move on and I'm very much looking forward to it."

Wagstaff will compete with Ben Breeze, Matt Mostyn and fellow newcomer Alex Cadwallader for the Newport wing positions, though the latter pair are currently injured. He will also have the chance to play in the Heineken Cup for the first time, Newport drawn with Edinburgh, Toulouse and London Irish in the pool stages.

"That should be a good experience for me. I've just got to go for it," said Wagstaff as he looks to seize his unexpected opportunity.

PICTURED: Andrew Wagstaff (left) signs for Newport watched by chief executive Keith Grainger.