Lucas returns to fold with Queensland Reds

The Queensland Reds have secured the services of utility Ben Lucas for the 2018 season.

It's understood Lucas, who played for the Reds between 2008 and 2014 before embarking on a career in Europe, will be announced on Friday as the Super Rugby club's newest recruit.

The 30-year-old played for French club Montpellier and two Japanese Top League teams in the three years he was away.

He provides the Reds with cover in a number of positions, including halfback, five-eighth, wing and fullback.

Lucas has already joined coach Brad Thorn and his new teammates for pre-season training, with Queensland's first outing of the year an intra-squad trial on February 2 before the Brisbane Tens the following weekend.