Cardiff have signed back-row option Alun Lawrence on a short-term deal after former club Jersey Reds went to the wall.

Former Wales Under-20s man Lawrence, who came through the ranks at the Arms Park before departing for the-then English Championship club in January 2022, previously made 23 appearances for the Blue and Blacks and rejoins them now as cover for the injured Taulupe Faletau and James Botham.

Lawrence helped Jersey to Gallagher Premiership promotion before financial issues hit the club earlier this summer. He has now been handed a lifeline by his former employers.

READ MORE: Wales star Gatland can't pick backed to explode on English scene after slow start

READ MORE: The race for Warren Gatland's most problematic position as two bolters fight for one club jersey

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said: “Back-row is a really combative position where we have already seen a number of injuries so it is great to bring Alun back to give us a bit more depth.

“He took a good opportunity to go to Jersey and helped them to the Championship title in a season in which he was the stand out back-rower in the competition.

“He is a great professional and returns to Cardiff a more experienced player.”

Lawrence said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to my home club after an amazing experience in Jersey which unfortunately came to a sudden end. It’s great to be back and seeing so many familiar faces and good friends. I hope to contribute positively to the group and repay the faith to Cardiff Rugby.”

Lawrence was about to start his third season for the island club when disaster struck out of the blue for the players and their families.

"Five months ago we won the Championship and then you wake up on Thursday thinking you are travelling to Penzance to play Cornish Pirates in the Premiership Cup," Lawrence said in an interview with WalesOnline earlier this year. "But at the same time we were due to travel to the airport we found out we were out of a job with no income.

"We also weren't paid for the work we did in September so it was a disastrous weekend. I've had multiple conversations with multiple different people but I don't have a plan just yet."