The 24-year-old missed Wales’ entire autumn series due to a fractured ankle sustained against Edinburgh on 27 September, but should be fit for the 2013 instalment.

A club statement earlier in December from the Rodney Parade outfit admitted the Welsh international would be moving on at the conclusion of his contract in the summer.

Despite deciding to move on to pastures new Lydiate insists he hasn’t decided on where that will be just yet, although the decision was not an easy one.

“I've just told the Dragons I'll be moving on,” he said. “I'm just focusing on getting fit and I'll make my decision in the new year.

“It was a massive decision, it wasn't one done on the spur of the moment, it was done over some time.

“I've been there seven seasons now, I need a change. I want to push myself a bit further you know, I just want a new challenge.”

On Monday he finished as runner-up to Olympic taekwondo gold medallist Jade Jones for the Wales Sports Personality of the Year.

But the Wales RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam winners were named team of the year at the ceremony, and Lydiate felt privileged to receive the accolade.

“It's a massive honour,” he added. “Just to be part of the Grand Slam was something special, so to be nominated myself and win team of the year caps a really good season.”