WELSH international David Llewellyn has signed for Malvern Rugby Club and will be available for games later this month.

Llewellyn, capped 23 times for Wales, has come on loan as part of his rehabilitation after two years out of the game through injury. A scrum half in the true Welsh tradition, he suffered a ruptured achilles tendon in 2000 whilst playing against Swansea.

He underwent surgery and has been rehabilitating under the guidance of Malvern-based sports injury specialist Terry Moule. He was involved in Malvern RFC's Community Rugby programme until expected commercial sponsorship funding failed to materialise, resulting in no Sportsmatch grant. Llewellyn also assisted with 1st XV training and made a big impact with the senior squad, with whom he is a popular figure as well as being highly respected.

Malvern's director of rugby David Robins said: "David's clearance from the IRB, Welsh RFU and Newport comes at an opportune time. He is cleared to play for us until the end of January, at which time Newport may want him back, as the deadline for re-registering him in Wales is January 31.

"They are happy for him to reach match fitness at Malvern - they were unable to find a junior club of sufficient standard in their own locality and as he knows the Malvern set-up they are keen for him to spend time at Spring Lane. We have just lost regular scrum half George Blakeway on a trip to Australia until the end of January and he will be flattered to think that we have had to get an international player in to cover him!

"Sam Hardcastle has deputised in the position, but is our Austin Healy, just as much at home on the wing. David's experience will certainly benefit our forwards, whilst his defensive work has already improved our back play after several training sessions.

Llewellyn's stint comes at a time of some crucial games in Malvern's season and the squad will receive a fillip when he is available for the home game against Kenilworth on December 21.

THERE was sadness at Malvern RFC last week as the players and members said farewell to popular Kiwi flanker Simon Reiter.

However, the Antipodean connection at Spring Lane looks set to remain, as Reiter is soon to be replaced by an Australian.

Dave King, a teacher at St Edmunds College, Canberra, one of Australia's top rugby schools, will be arriving at Malvern in mid January. King, a centre or winger, plays for Canberra Vikings at the equivalent of English National League Division Two level.

Robins said: "It gives us an experienced player from a higher level who will add strength to our back division for the second half of the season."