VERSATILE former Wales prop Aaron Jarvis has signed a new two-year deal with the Dragons.

The 33-year-old, who headed to Rodney Parade from Clermont Auvergne in the summer of 2018, will provide boss Dean Ryan with an option either side of the scrum after agreeing fresh terms.

Jarvis has made 24 appearances for the Dragons and has battled Wales tighthead Leon Brown and fellow veteran loosehead Brok Harris for the starting spots.

He featured in the rousing derby wins against the Scarlets and Ospreys in Newport and believes the signs are encouraging after a year working under Ryan.

South Wales Argus:

"I'm really happy to be re-signing with the Dragons," said Jarvis. "It's a really positive time to be with the region, we're working hard and enjoying our rugby with Dean in charge.

"This season we have proved we're moving in the right direction and I can't wait to get back playing at Rodney Parade."

The 18-times capped international's first season at the region was hampered by injury after he suffered a torn bicep in pre-season and then, after making 11 of 14 appearances off the bench, ruptured his hamstring at the Scarlets in January 2019.

Jarvis tore his tricep in his first training session back but returned to become a mainstay of Ryan's pack whether as a loosehead or tighthead, starter or replacement.

After making his comeback in the European Challenge Cup win against Castres in November, the prop played in 10 of 13 games before the season was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Director of rugby Ryan pointed not only to Jarvis' ability on the field but his assistance off it for the likes of Josh Reynolds, Chris Coleman and Ellis Shipp.

South Wales Argus:

"Aaron is a vastly experienced player for us who brings great composure on the field, he can play both sides of the scrum and is helping us to develop our young front row talents," he said.

"He has demonstrated his commitment this season and is determined to continue to produce his best rugby to help the Dragons move forward in the coming years."

South African Harris signed a short-term contract extension last December and is likely to remain at Rodney Parade with Brown and Lloyd Fairbrother the other senior options at tighthead.

Loosehead Reynolds and tighthead Coleman are up and comers but Ryan is likely to need another established prop.

Jack Cosgrove was forced to retire last December after suffering a serious eye injury in training while Ryan Bevington's contract expires this summer.

The former Wales prop made just one appearance in 2019/20 after a knee injury in the season opener against Munster at Thomond Park.

Jarvis follows Wales star Ross Moriarty, captain Rhodri Williams, Ollie Griffiths, Josh Lewis and Rio Dyer in signing new terms.

All-action back rower Taine Basham committed to the Dragons earlier in the season along with fellow academy products Max Williams, Connor Edwards, Lennon Greggains, Reynolds and Dan Babos.