WALES and British & Irish Lions hooker Richard Hibbard has been revealed as the Dragons’ latest big-name signing after agreeing a three-year deal with the Welsh region.

The 34-year-old will join number eight Ross Moriarty, scrum-half duo Rhodri Davies and Rhodri Williams and utility back Jordan Williams at Rodney Parade next term.

Hibbard, currently with Aviva Premiership side Gloucester, has won 38 caps for Wales since his debut in 2006 and played in all three Tests on the Lions’ tour of Australia in 2013.

The Neath-born front row forward played for Taibach, Aberavon and Swansea then spent a decade at the Ospreys before moving to Kingsholm.

“I spoke to Bernard who shared his plans for the Dragons and the direction he wants to take the team, and I really want to be part of that,” he said.

“I’m excited by the move back and what Bernard is building at the Dragons. Contributing to that will be my focus, to get the team into a good place.

“Success may not be overnight but hopefully in any small way that I can help I can speed that process up.

“The Dragons have an extremely skilful squad and a few experienced players will add to that.

“Ross coming in is an exciting addition, he’ll galvanize the back row and hopefully I can bring some experience in as well.

“I’ve experienced being against the Dragons fans in the past and now I’m looking forward to joining and having them support me.”

Head coach Bernard Jackman added: “Richard is an outstanding hooker and is someone that will add to our squad on and off the field.

“He has huge experience at the highest level and given that we have a very young squad at present that expertise will be invaluable.

“We have some quality players coming through our system, but we lack some depth in certain positions and Richard signing gives us real depth at hooker.

“He believes that he has unfinished business back in Wales and I and all the staff at the Dragons are looking forward to working with him.”

Jackman has already retained a number of key players for next season including forwards Leon Brown, Elliot Dee, Ollie Griffiths and Joe Davies.