Sam Lewis made was named in Bristol Bears 36-man squad which travelled out to France to take on Brive in pre-season on Friday night.
The highly-rated Welsh flanker has been without a club since he was released by Worcester Warriors at the end of the 2021/22 Premiership club.
Overall, he featured 121 times for the club scoring 13 tries.
The Rugby Paper has previously reported that the 31-year-old was considering offers from Japan and the USA.
Pat Lam revealed that Lewis is training with the club to stay fit, but his inclusion in the squad to fly to Brive suggests he may be in contention to earn contract at Ashton Gate.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I will leave with a heavy heart,” Lewis said when leaving Sixways.
“That’s the nature of professional rugby I suppose. But I will leave with some fantastic memories, with winning the Premiership Rugby Cup two weeks ago being right up there.
“I’ve played with a lot of great boys in my time here and made some friendships that will last beyond rugby.
“I’m going to miss going out on the pitch with the boys. I have loved playing for Warriors and playing in front of the crowd here at Sixways who have been so supportive over the years.”