NEWPORT Gwent Dragons said goodbye to five players who are leaving Rodney Parade at their end of season awards night.

Back row forward Nick Crosswell, full-back/wing Tom Prydie, full-back/fly-half Rhys Jones, tighthead Criaig Mitchell and hooker Darran Harris were handed framed jerseys as recognition of their efforts.

As was previously reported in the Argus, popular New Zealander Crosswell was not offered a fresh deal despite the former Hurricanes, Highlanders and Chiefs loose forward being a consistent performer since arriving from Manawatu in January, 2015.

The 31-year-old Maori All Blacks international made 56 appearances for the Dragons.

Five-times capped Wales speedster Prydie, 25, and sevens international Jones, 29, are expected to head west to the Scarlets, the former after making 93 appearances since 2012 and the latter 30 since 2013.

Former Wales tighthead Craig Mitchell, 31, has not been offered fresh terms after featuring 11 times following his move from Cardiff Blues in the summer of 2016, his sole PRO12 start coming on opening weekend against Ulster.

Head coach Kingsley Jones currently has Brok Harris, Leon Brown, Lloyd Fairbrother and Wales Under-20s tighthead Chris Coleman as options.

Hdooker Darran Harris, 24, is also moving on after playing just five times following his signing from Rotherham, his sole start coming against Leicester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

The Dragons have Elliot Dee, Rhys Thomas, Rhys Buckley and Wales Under-20s pair Ellis Shipp and Owen Hughes on their books at the heart of the front row.