The 28-year-old back five specialist is ready to re-launch his career at the Arms Park after a season with the Warriors that was ruined by two ankle injuries and an operation.
But now the 11-times capped former UWIC, Ebbw Vale and Bridgend player is all set to battle it out with four other ex-Warrior forwards for a place in the Blues pack.
“I just want to give my all to a new club. I’m massively motivated after what happened at the Warriors and I feel I’ve got a lot more to give the game,” said Budgett.
“The second half of last season didn’t really happen for me because of the injuries, but I’ve trained well over the last three months since I got back on my feet and I’m in good shape.
“I see myself as someone who can play anywhere in the back five of the scrum, although I would like to play more as a blindside flanker than anywhere else. The important thing is to break into the side and try to play regular rugby.”
Budgett won the first of his 11 caps against Scotland in 2000 and his last appearance in the national side was against the same side two years later. Having secured a club for next season his next task is to catch the eye once again of his former Ebbw Vale coach Mike Ruddock, now in charge of the Welsh squad.
“Every player who plays professional rugby wants to play for their national team, and I’m no different. But there is a long way to go before I can start thinking in those terms – playing regularly for my new club is the first priority,” he added.
Budgett will find plenty of former team mates at the Arms Park. Wales locks Rob Sidoli and Deiniol Jones, international front row forward Gethin Jenkins, back row man Mark Lewis and backs Shaun James and Matthew Nuthall have all signed for the Welsh capital club this summer.
