Cardiff have announced the signing of Wales international flanker Thomas Young from Wasps.

Young, whose father Dai is Cardiff’s director of rugby, will move to the Arms Park at the end of this season.

The 29-year-old, capped three times, has been ineligible for Wales in recent seasons due to a senior player selection policy that means players plying their trade outside of Wales cannot be selected if they have won fewer than 60 caps.

But it is understood that Young has received dispensation to be available for Wales immediately following confirmation of his move to Cardiff for next term.

The clause was used in scrum-half Rhys Webb’s case ahead of the 2020 Six Nations after it was announced he would be rejoining the Ospreys from Toulon.

He had a brief stint at Cardiff before joining Wasps, where he became one of the Gallagher Premiership’s most consistent players and made more than 140 appearances.

“I am really excited to have this opportunity at Cardiff, and I am looking forward to returning home to Wales,” Young told Cardiff’s official website.

“It was a difficult decision to make because I’ve had such an enjoyable time at Wasps and learnt so much, which I remain very grateful for, but I am also a proud Welshman and the opportunity to stake a claim for further international honours was too great to turn down.

London Irish v Cardiff Blues – Heineken Challenge Cup – Brentford Community Stadium
Cardiff rugby director Dai Young (Adam Davy/PA)

“Once I made that decision, Cardiff was always my preference. This is my home club, I played all of my age-grade rugby for the region and still have a lot of friends here from that time.”

Dai Young added: “It is my job to improve and develop this squad, and I have no doubt that Thomas will significantly add to our strength and depth in the back-row and drive standards in our environment.

“He suits the style we want to play, and I know he will do his talking on the pitch and show everyone in Wales how good he is.”