AUSTRALIAN power wing Joe Roff could be on his way to Newport after declaring his interest in the black and ambers dream to be the best in British rugby.

Roff has signed a 12 month deal with French club Biarritz to take a year off from international duty with the Wallabies, but says he is keen to link up with Newport. "I have heard a great deal about the club and they are obviously one of the strongest teams in Wales," said Roff.

"They confirmed their ambition by signing Joost van der Westhuizen. "These are exciting times for the club and of course as a player you want to be part of something like that. When the time is right, I will look at the possibility."

If all goes well during his time on the Med, the ACT Brumbie will almost certainly extend his time playing in Europe and the 25-year-old said he may consider a big-money move to Newport, one of the clubs who chased his signature earlier this year.

Director of rugby Allan Lewis was remaining pragmatic about any possible signing of the Aussie saying a "million things could happen" before Roff would be available.

But Lewis is clearly becoming disgruntled that available top internationals are constantly being linked to Newport and although a fan of the Australian powerhouse wing, said he is happy with next season's two overseas signings in Joost van der Westhuizen and Simon Raiwalui.

He said: "Everytime an international player becomes available, he seems to be linked to Newport, it's becoming embarrasing and to be frank, it's getting out of hand. "We have got our two over-seas signings and a million things could happen between now and the end of next season.

"We haven't had any contact with Roff, but if you could pick a World XV he would be one of your wingers and I think he's a superb player, as demonstrated in this year's Super 12s.

"Personally, I am looking forward to Joost coming to the club and he will compete with a fit Dai Llewellyn for the scrum-half position behind our superb pack."