THE Dragons have snapped up Wales back row forward Shane Lewis-Hughes from Cardiff on a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old from Ferndale follows Tonga back rower Solomone Funaki, Australian lock Steve Cummins and Aussie centre Harry Wilson in heading for Rodney Parade next season, while South African wing/centre Chris Hollis could turn a short-term deal into a permanent move.
Lewis-Hughes, a no-nonsense blindside, will look to reignite his career after enduring a frustrating time since bursting onto the scene with Wales in 2020.
The three-times capped forward will provide a destructive option in the back row, while he also has the ability to slot in at lock if needed as he has done predominantly for the Blue and Blacks this season.
Lewis-Hughes said: “I’m so grateful for the Dragons in giving me this opportunity. It’s been a really tough few years with injuries, which has stopped me reaching the levels I know I am capable of.
“Dragons have put faith in me to add value to the club and I can’t wait to get started.
“My desire is to be the best rugby player I can possible be and there is so much potential at my new club. I’m looking forward to adding as much as I can.
“I know there is a huge amount of talent in the back row at Dragons, so I can’t to challenge myself in that environment.”
The Dragons have retained Wales stars Aaron Wainwright and Taine Basham in the back row and also have Funaki, Harri Keddie, Ollie Griffiths, Ryan Woodman and George Young as options there, plus lock George Nott.
The futures of Dan Lydiate and Sean Lonsdale are yet to be confirmed with their deals running out this summer.
The Argus understands that the Dragons have brought Lewis-Hughes in on relatively meagre terms because he is keen for a fresh challenge.
They will hope to get the Rhondda man back to the levels that had then Wales boss Wayne Pivac comparing the forward's work ethic to that of legend Alun Wyn Jones in 2020.
Head coach Dai Flanagan said: “Shane is a really physical player, and he gives us a big option at blindside and can also play lock.
“He’s a very driven and ambitious player who wants to be the very best at everything he does.
“Shane is extremely competitive and will therefore drive standards in the squad and push others around him to produce their very best form.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here