The scrum-half left Newport Gwent Dragons to join London Welsh in 2009.
But after helping Lyn Jones’ Exiles into the English Premiership, Lewis has returned across the boarder ready for a second crack at regional rugby.
“You just need to play at a young age and I didn’t get enough high-quality games at the Dragons,” said Lewis, who has been capped by Wales sevens.
“I was always on the bench and never had an opportunity at the Dragons. That just wasn’t enough game time and I wasn’t learning or progressing like other boys.”
Lewis, whose twin brother James remains at London Welsh, reckons he had no choice but to leave the Dragons.
But after conquering the Championship he is now focussed on wrestling the Blues’ number nine jersey from Wales starlet Lloyd Williams
“I had to make the decision to go away and by going to London Welsh I saw plenty of action and my game progressed,” said Lewis.
“It was the best rugby I have played and that that was solely down to getting some starts.
“Some boys make the step up (to regional rugby) straight away but I was a bit different, I had to go away to a different environment and learn my trade.
“I’m excited about the new challenge at Cardiff Blues. It will be good to look at how Lloyd operates in training and what he does in games. I can learn off him and also see how close I am to the next step.”
