The Dragons announced last week that the 24-year-old will move on to pastures new at the end of the current season following the lead of fellow Wales internationals Luke Charteris and Aled Brew.
He is currently recovering from a fractured ankle he suffered playing against Edinburgh in the RaboDirect PRO12 on September 27 as he missed out on the recent autumn internationals.
And having spent his entire senior career with the Dragons, Lydiate insisted the decision to move on from Rodney Parade was one of the hardest he had ever had to make - although he is still unsure of his destination.
"I've been there [the Dragons] seven seasons now, I need a change," he said. "I want to push myself a bit further you know, I just want a new challenge.
"It was a massive decision, it wasn't one that was done on the spur of the moment, it was done over some time. It's just time for a change for me.
"I've just told the Dragons I'll be moving on. I'm just focusing on getting fit and I'll make my decision in the new year."
63x46.png){kind=logo}