GLOUCESTER fly-half Aled Thomas will return to Guinness Pro12 side Scarlets at the end of the current season.

The 30-year-old moved to Kingsholm from the Scarlets last summer, but due to the subsequent arrival of Welsh international fly half James Hook and the emergence of Billy Burns, he has since found first team opportunities hard to come by, featuring just twice in the Aviva Premiership and four times in the LV= Cup.

Thomas did play a big part though in the club retaining its Premiership Rugby 7s title in the summer, as well as providing leadership during the club's LV= Cup and Premiership A League campaigns and also earned a call to Wales Sevens squad in Las Vegas last month.

But the club has agreed to release him a year early from his contract to allow him to return home to West Wales and resume his playing career with his home region.

Director of Rugby David Humphreys confirmed the move and thanked Thomas for his contribution.

Humphreys said: "It's been a frustrating season for Aled due to a lack of playing opportunities, and we understand his desire to play more rugby and to spend more time with his family.

"With all the changes at Gloucester over the past 12 months, Aled's experience and leadership qualities have been invaluable and he has been a very positive influence in training around the club.

"He has still plenty of years of rugby ahead of him and we wish him very success for the future."

The Carmarthen born player added: "I'm very grateful to David and the club who have been supportive in agreeing my release so that I'm able to return to Wales to play and be closer to my young family.

"It was a difficult decision to leave such a fantastic club with amazing supporters and great players, whom I'd like to thank for their welcome and support this season.

"Captaining such a prestigious club on three occasions this season has been a huge highlight and a fantastic honour.”