NEWPORT scrum half Darren Edwards (pictured) is poised to join Zurich Premiership side London Irish this week.

His on-off move is on again after the former London Welsh and Bedford player trained with London Irish this week.

It is understood the club have written to Newport to renew their attempts to sign him and to clarify certain matters about his release.

Edwards was on holiday last week and could not be contacted today, but Newport team manager Jim McCreedy confirmed the likely move.

"He has a home in London," said McCreedy, "and had to commute last season, so a move to London Irish would suit him."

However, with David Llewellyn likely to be out for the first month of the season with his long-standing Achilles' heel problem and overseas star Joost van der Westhuizen remaining in South Africa until September, Edwards' move would leave Newport with only one senior scrum half in Dale Burn.

But Newport have Wales Under-21 international Llyr Lane on their books and he will figure in pre-season plans and be available for the senior squad if necessary.

Meanwhile Alix Popham and Ceri Jones return to training with Newport next week after a rest following the Wales tour to Japan.

Rod Snow and Simon Raiwalui, on duty for Canada and Fiji respectively in the Pacific Rim tournament, will return in a fortnight.

Matt Mostyn, with Ireland at a training camp in Poland, returns at the end of next week.