Morris still feels he can deliver at the highest level of the game

Former Wales and Lions prop Darren Morris has signed for Cardiff Blues following his departure from Worcester.

The 34-year-old, who can play on both sides of the scrum, provides cover for injured Lions Test prop Gethin Jenkins.

"Darren is a quality player with a wealth of experience which is crucial, especially in some of the Heineken Cup games," said Blues coach Dai Young.

"A player with experience to cover was important," said Young, who has contracted Morris until 1 January.

Aberdare-native Morris, 34, won the last of his 18 Wales caps on the 2004 summer tour, having won one Lions cap on the 2001 trip to Australia.

He is renowned as a hard scrummager and an extravagantly gifted ball-handler, but his fitness has sometimes counted against him.

"I know I can still play at a good level," Morris told the South Wales Evening Post.

"I am enthusiastic and fresh, having not played that much because of injuries over the past couple of years.

''Props are sought after nowadays because everyone knows it is a dangerous game to operate in Europe without a scrum.''

Morris left Worcester by mutual consent last month after being released from the last year of his contract.

He began his career at Neath before excelling at Swansea, leaving the All Whites in 2003 when the club went into administration.

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The prop secured a contract with Leicester, where he stayed until 2006 when he joined Worcester, going on to play 64 times for the club.

"He will add depth to our squad and is able to play on either side of the scrum, which could be a very important option for us considering the injuries we have picked up over the summer," said Young.

"He has demonstrated his ability having played 18 times for Wales and toured with the Lions and I'm sure he will help develop some of the youngsters we have coming through also."

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