Former Wales wing Chris Czekaj has signed to join Mike Rayer at Bedford next season.

Czekaj will renew his Cardiff connection by playing for the former Arms Park coach in the English Championship, following a spell with Colomiers in France.

Now 31, Czekaj won nine caps for Wales, either side of a horrific leg break against Australia in 2007.

Bedford director of rugby Mike Rayer said: “Being able to welcome a player of Chris’s pedigree and experience to the club makes this another great signing for Bedford Blues and I am delighted that he has chosen to join us.

“He is a player that I know very well from when he came through the Academy at Cardiff, so when I heard he was available I immediately got in touch.

“Chris has a wealth of experience on the wing, centre and at fullback and I’m sure that he will add a lot of value to next season’s squad.”

Czekaj added: “It is a real pleasure for me to be able to sign for a club as great as Bedford and I’m really looking forward to linking up with all the lads in pre-season.

“Mike is someone that I know very well from Cardiff and as soon as he got in touch I was keen to link up with him once again.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the way Bedford play and I’m really excited about this new chapter in my playing career.”

Bedford are currently eighth in the Championship, but reached the play-off semi-finals last season.