AFTER having more than his fair share of injury misfortune, Tyler Morgan is relishing a fresh challenge courtesy of being a medical joker.

The 26-year-old from Caerleon has joined Biarritz, who got their PRO D2 season off to a winning start against Oyonnax last Thursday.

Morgan headed for the south of France straight from playing for Wales in the Commonwealth Games sevens, keen for a change.

The five-times capped centre burst onto the scene with the Dragons in 2013/14 then, after 89 appearances, moved to the Scarlets in 2020.

It was clear at the start of the year that Morgan was going to be released so he took up an opportunity on the sevens circuit before landing in Biarritz.

There were some media reports that he was on the radar of the Dragons but a Rodney Parade return was never on the cards, instead he has headed for the Parc des Sports Aguiléra.

"I have always wanted to play abroad but wanted to give playing for Wales another shot," said Morgan, who has been reunited with former Dragons coaches Barry Maddocks and Alan Kingsley.

"I have taken myself out of my comfort zone with a new challenge. I jumped at the chance, I have come over with an open mind and I just want to enjoy it.

"Look at the schedule for the year and there are some really good games against big clubs in this league, played in front of big support."

Morgan joined up late with Biarritz after his Commonwealth Games exertions and was not included in the squad for the Pro D2 opener.

The centre's career was stalled by injury and then illness – in 2018 he was diagnosed with diabetes – but he hopes to rack up the minutes in France.

South Wales Argus: FRUSTRATED: Tyler Morgan found chances hard to come by at the ScarletsFRUSTRATED: Tyler Morgan found chances hard to come by at the Scarlets

"I just want to play because I was fit all year for the Scarlets but just never got selected," said Morgan, who played in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final against South Africa.

"The Commonwealth Games was a fun few months and a real test, then I came here and it is nice to feel wanted and part of the team straight away.

"We will see where it goes. Wales is still home but I am lucky enough to have a career like this where you can explore different places, and the scenery here in Biarritz is amazing.

"It's an opportunity to get out of the Welsh bubble, have new experiences and play in different rugby."

Biarritz take on Vannes on Friday while Morgan could have a reunion with ex-Dragons teammates Rynard Landman and Dorian Jones when Carcassonne head to town on September 23.