Percy Montgomery will put his World Cup heartbreak behind him when he makes his long-awaited return from exile in the Heineken Cup this weekend.
And the former Springbok star even reckons he will emerge a stronger and better player after doing the time for his moment of madness.
The South African beachboy has spent an agonising six months in the cold as he served out his six-month ban for pushing a touch judge to the ground in May.
Suspension not only ended Monty's season but scuppered his chances of playing at the World Cup just weeks after being approached by the Springboks.
Yet Montgomery, who was wed in South Africa last month, insists the experience will stand him in good stead.
And having turned down a big money offer from English giants Leicester, Monty now aims to repay Gwent's faith by breathing fire into the Dragons' Euro bid.
"The club has been great in the way they have stood by me and now it is my time to repay that faith," said Montgomery who arrived in south Wales just almost exactly a year ago.
"I made a pledge to Newport to be here for three years with a mission to become part of the club and the town. I had an offer but I intend to keep to my word.
"It was very frustrating being out for so long. I'm really not one for watching games but you just have to keep working, stay focused and bide your time.
"In many ways it has been good as well as bad.
"I was disappointed not to go to the World Cup but perhaps it has made me a stronger person to deal with what life throws at you. It makes you appreciate things more and hopefully you will see a revived Percy Montgomery."
Montgomery has been shoe-horned straight into the team to face Ulster at Rodney Parade on Sunday while Scotland international No 8 Ross Beattie makes his debut for the region.
However skipper Andy Marinos and Wales lock Michael Owen have both been left on the bench as they return to full match fitness following injuries.
