The former stonemason who was involved in one of the most unexpected rugby transfers in recent history has opened up about what drew him to sign for the Dragons .
Fly-half Josh Lewis made headlines last year when it was announced he would be making the dream move from former Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale to English giants Bath - not a bad move for the ex-Scarlets player who, up until that point, thought he had said farewell to his full-time pro rugby days.
After signing a 12-month contract with Bath, it was announced this week that 25-year-old Lewis will be returning to Welsh rugby and joining the Dragons next season on a two-year deal, linking up with the squad this summer.
"I didn't really expect to go back into pro", Lewis said. "Obviously going to one of the biggest clubs in Europe was quite a shock but I had to just embrace it.
"Because I played three years back with the Scarlets, I pretty much knew what the set-up was going to be, but the facilities there at Bath are second to none. I knew what was coming, so just looking forward to it.
"I was in that environment so the coaches must have thought I was good enough.
"I had to get my head down and get on with it. I was happy for the one-year contract (at Bath)."
Lewis is now looking ahead to a new chapter back in Wales, and says he is excited to be part of "the new era" at Rodney Parade amid head coach Bernard Jackman's ambitious plans for the region.
"My agent put my name out there", he said.
"Bernard asked to meet up and have a chat. I met up with him.
"I liked the way he was selling the Dragons to me, what his plans were, I knew that he wasn't messing around.
"I liked his plans, where he wants to take the club.
"I had a chat with my family and fiancée Chloe, obviously all supportive, and they said 'you've got to do what you've got to do'."
When the move was announced on Monday, Jackman said of Lewis: "Now at 25 years of age, he is coming into his prime as a fly-half", and said he was impressed by "how much he wanted to come back to our Region and show the talent that he undoubtedly has".
Born in Merthyr Tydfil and raised in Aberdare , Lewis played for Merthyr RFC youth, and Mountain Ash seniors, before joining Ebbw Vale in his late teens.
He moved to the Scarlets in the summer of 2013 and spent three years with them, before re-joining the Steelmen in 2016, fully expecting his full-time pro days to be over.
As if the change in environment from Principality Premiership to the Aviva Premiership wasn't enough, Lewis' heading back into professional rugby also meant he could say goodbye to 5.30am starts and fitting his training in around working as a stonemason for family business, Lewis Memorials.
"I used to enjoy working, and not working now is a bit strange", Lewis admitted. "I do miss it now and again."
Lewis is the latest recruit after a number of big-name players have been confirmed to join the Dragons next season, including Ross Moriarty, Richard Hibbard and former Scarlets full-back Jordan Williams.
Lewis said of Jackman: "He's bringing in big names. I'm excited to become part of the new era."
But did the WRU's new selection policy - which states that players can only play outside of Wales and be eligible for the national team if they have 60 or more caps - have anything to do with Lewis' decision, even in the long term?
"Every kid wants to play for their country growing up, and the only way I was going to play for Wales is obviously (if I) came back.
"I didn't want to leave it too late to come back."
On the 60-cap clause bringing more players home to Wales in general, Lewis added: "I think it's going to be a massive influence."
With several months to go before his transfer, Lewis said he is committed to giving his all to the remainder of his time at The Rec - and is clearly grateful for the opportunity the club gave him.
Lewis said: "I've loved my time with Bath this season, but the chance to go back to Wales and play regular first-team regional rugby there was too good to turn down."
Lewis wanted to thank everyone at the club, including coaches Darren Edwards and Toby Booth, and director of rugby Todd Blackadder.
Blackadder this week said: "Josh is a great young man, and whilst we will be disappointed to see him go, this is a fantastic opportunity for him. I've no doubt he'll be a great addition to the Dragons squad, and we will wish him all the best with his future career when the time comes."
Lewis added: "I want to finish my season off with Bath now the way it's started and kick on to bring my experience over to the Dragons.
"I'm really excited for it. I've just got to keep my head down and keep doing what I'm doing."
