FLY HALF Aled Thomas will return to Guinness Pro 12 side Scarlets at the end of the current season after one campaign at Kingsholm.

The 30-year-old has yet to make a start for Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership due to the subsequent arrival of Welsh international fly half James Hook and the emergence of Billy Burns.

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 LV= Cup and Premiership A League campaigns.

Gloucester have released Thomas with a year remaining on his contract.

Director of rugby David 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."