FLANKER Ollie Griffiths leads the Dragons tonight just a day after it was announced by the region that the Wales international had signed a contract extension at Rodney Parade.

The 22-year-old, who makes his 50th Dragons appearance in the European Challenge Cup clash against Enisei-STM, follows Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Jack Dixon and Joe Davies in penning new deals.

And one-cap back-rower Griffiths admits that it is playing alongside a talented group of young Welsh players will only spur him on to greater things.

“I enjoy going to work every day,” said Griffiths. “The culture within the group is great and it’s the best feeling to play alongside your best mates, having grown up with them and played throughout the age grades.”

He continued; “I am very passionate about playing for my home region having grown up in Gwent and seen vast improvements since the takeover.

“I feel that the Dragons is the best place for me to progress in my rugby career and the support we have from coaches, medical team, analysts and the Welsh Rugby Union is great and is only going to help me progress further.”

Prior to joining the Dragons, Griffiths was named Newport captain for the 2014/15 campaign and is currently their youngest ever skipper.

Born in Newbridge, made more than 30 appearances for the Black and Ambers and also received a call into the Wales U20 squad.

He went on to captain his country against Scotland in the U20 Six Nations and was named in the squad for the junior world championship in 2015.

Griffiths then earned his first professional contract with the Dragons and made his senior Wales debut in the win over Tonga on the summer tour.

On his time with the Dragons so far, he added: “We have great support. All the players and staff are working hard to ensure the Dragons are as competitive as possible, and moving forward to becoming the top Welsh region.

“I believe the future is positive for the Dragons with everything in place in order to allow us to achieve our goals.

“Everyone involved is extremely ambitious and committed to working hard to become a very successful region.”

Commenting on the news, head coach Bernard Jackman said: “Ollie is one of the brightest back row talents in Wales.

“He won his first senior cap in June and I expect him to gain many more in the future.

“He is a leader on and off the field in our group and we are over the moon that he has signed a long-term deal to stay in his region.”