ABRASIVE flanker Ben Fry has signed his first professional contract with the Dragons – and has been joined at Rodney Parade by his younger brother Harry.

The duo from Radyr in Cardiff will follow in the footsteps of Nathan and Aled Brew, Rhys and Dorian Jones, twins Rob and James Lewis, Hugo and Arthur Ellis and current wingers Jared and Ewan Rosser by joining forces at the Dragons (Rob Sidoli played after Peter had left).

Back row forward Ben, 21, came through the ranks with the region while loosehead prop Harry, 19, was part of Gloucester's academy set-up.

Ben played for Wales at the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship while Harry wore the white of England at age-grade level.

Now the brothers are not only living together but working together in Ystrad Mynach after the Dragons returned to training to prepare for the return of the Guinness PRO14 on August 22.

South Wales Argus:

"I have been impressed by Ben's attitude and that he has an edge to his game," said director of rugby Dean Ryan.

"At the Dragons it is vitally important we retain and develop our best young talent and Ben is a part of that process.

"Harry is a young loosehead that we're looking forward to bringing back to Wales and into our environment, where he will learn from the senior professionals around him."

Ben Fry played in the same Wales Under-20s team as fellow bright back row prospects Taine Basham and Lennon Greggains.

He made his Dragons debut against Timisoara Saracens, when he was set up for a try by Gavin Henson, and will look to add to his four senior outings.

"I'm really pleased to sign my first professional contract with Dragons," said Fry, who has impressed with his confrontational, no-nonsense approach.

"Things are really improving under Dean and I'm really excited to take this next step and be a part of it going forward."

While Ben will try to put the heat on Ross Moriarty, Aaron Wainwright, Ollie Griffiths, Harri Keddie and Lewis Evans for a spot in the first team, Harry faces a season of learning.

South Wales Argus:

The prop was registered by Gloucester in last season's Champions Cup to cover for injuries and featured for Hartpury in the English Championship but is seen as one for the future.

The Dragons have Brok Harris and Aaron Jarvis as their senior options with former Wales loosehead Ryan Bevington in negotiations over a fresh deal and 21-year-old Josh Reynolds looking to build on a first campaign in the firsts.

Fry is relishing the chance to learn from the seasoned front rowers after returning to Wales from the Cherry and Whites.

"I'm buzzing to have signed for Dragons and looking forward to seeing what challenges and opportunities are ahead of me," he said.

"It's a team that is growing with a lot of ambition and promise so I'm looking forward to getting started."