NEWPORT Gwent Dragons outside half Ceri Sweeney has signed for the Cardiff Blues following months of speculation linking him to the Arms Park.

A product of the Pontypridd Youth team, Sweeney made his debut for Wales against England in the Six Nations Championship in 2003, and was part of the Wales 2007 Rugby World Cup squad.

The 28-year-old joined the Dragons in 2004 after the Celtic Warriors went out of business and he has made, to date, 83 appearances for the region.

During that time he has scored 557 points, including nine tries, 97 conversions, 102 penalties and four drop goals.

Sweeney won the last of his 35 caps against the World Champions South Africa at the Millennium Stadium in November.

Young Blues outside half Dai Flanagan has signed a contract extension with the Cardiff Blues after there were rumours he could have been heading for the Dragons.

The 22-year-old Blues Academy product has featured 12 times for the Blues this season.

His first appearance of the season saw him coming off the bench in for Nicky Robinson in the EDF Energy Cup match against the Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

A former pupil at Lewis Boys Comprehensive School in Pengam, Flanagan has performed solidly for the Blues featuring in four Heineken Cup matches and scoring a crucial late drop goal in the victory against Stade Francais at the Arms Park.

Speaking of the signings, Cardiff Blues chief executive Robert Norster said: "Ceri is a quality player who has been a consistent performer for the professional sides he has represented and carries significant experience following his involvement so far with the Wales national team.

"Young Dai has also shown impressive levels of maturity and continues to make progress in the senior game.

"We are always looking to strengthen our squad whenever possible and are confident both these young Welsh players will improve our future play-making options."