The 6ft 5in tall, 18 stone lock, who won Welsh age grade honours all the way through to U20 level, is returning to his home region after eight seasons at the Dragons during which time he played 162 times for the Gwent outfit.
Now 28, Screech has bagged five tries in 16 appearances for the Dragons to date this season. He will be following a similar path to Wales international Hill, who also returned to the Arms Park this season after almost seven years at Rodney Parade.
“It was a decision I thought long and hard about given I’ve spent so long at the Dragons. I remain incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve had there, but I’m excited about heading back to Cardiff,” said Screech.
“I will leave Rodney Parade a better player and I’m very thankful to all of the coaches I have worked with there. However, now is the right time for a new challenge and Cardiff is the perfect place to do that.
“I want to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself in a new environment. Cardiff have a lot of strength and depth in the position, which will be great for me, and I’m looking forward to adding value to the group.
“I came through the academy with a lot of the boys in the senior squad now and they all speak very highly of the set-up and the direction in which the club is going. I’m looking forward to working with Dai Young, who is such a well-respected coach and so passionate about the Cardiff region.”
Screech was signed prior to Young’s arrival but the new director of rugby has been impressed with his form in a Dragons jersey this season. Young firmly believes Screech will add further strength in depth to the Cardiff pack.
“He’ll add further strength and depth to our second-row resources and, with the amount of regional rugby he has played, he brings experience and leadership qualities which will be important during international windows,” said Young.
“He’s in very good form for the Dragons and will come here determined to claim a starting jersey. That will help to drive competition and standards.”
