Newport Gwent Dragons are delighted to announce that four of their current squad have signed extensions to remain with the region. Pledging their allegiance are Welsh International Luke Charteris and Scottish International Andrew Hall while current academy members Ashley Smith and Jamie Corsi have also signed extensions.
23-year old Luke has been with The Dragons since the birth of regional rugby and during his time has made 53 appearances. He commented, "I am enjoying playing for The Dragons. The side is improving all the time as well as my own personal game. There is a good consistency in the coaching team and the potential is here for the side to grow. With players like Kevin Morgan, Jamie Ringer and Rhys Thomas re-signing we have the nucleus of a good squad and we look forward to capturing some silver ware in seasons to come."
Naturally the re-signing of two current internationals and two up and coming players has delighted the region's rugby manager, Jim McCreedy who said, "We are pleased to confirm the re-signing of Luke, Andrew, Ashley and Jamie. All are very talented individuals who will play a big part for The Dragons in seasons to come. They epitomise what being a team player is about, they train hard and give their all on the playing field. We are delighted to hold onto these players and confirm they will be part of The Dragons for the foreseeable future."
Andrew Hall joined The Dragons in the summer of 2005 from Glasgow and in his time has made 38 appearances for the region. "The most important thing is I am enjoying my rugby at The Dragons," said Andrew. "From a rugby point of view it is a good environment to be in, I am learning about my game, I have improved since I have been here and with the type of players I have around me and the coaches I can improve again. I enjoy my time at the region, particularly playing in the Magners League and it is important for my international aspirations, I still want to play for Scotland, that I compete in this competition. To be in a team that is going to be successful was another factor in me re-signing."
Ashley Smith who is proving to be a very talented inside centre has pledged his future to The Dragons signing an extension with Paul Turner's Dragons. 19-year old Ashley will captain Wales U20's for their forthcoming Six Nations campaign and has played 14 games for the region this season. He has progressed from the academy set up and when the chance came for him to play for the senior side he grasped it with both hands.
Ashley commented, "Since I have been playing with the senior Dragons things have really taken off. At the start of the season my aim was to play a couple of games for The Dragons but to have cemented a place in the starting line up is fantastic. To contribute to the team on-field and in our recent run of good results has been great. We are trying to build something special here at the Men of Gwent and I am delighted to pledge my future with the region. I want to contribute on and off field, develop and learn and The Dragons will allow me the opportunity to do that."
19-year old Jamie Corsi has also established himself in The Dragons squad making four starts for the team and coming on five times as a replacement in the hot bed of the front row. Speaking on his contract extension Jamie said, "Being with The Dragons and involved with the senior team has given me a taste of rugby at the highest level and it is something I want more of. The academy has prepared me for life as a professional rugby player and thanks to everyone associated with it and the environment I can hopefully achieve what it takes to play at a higher level with the region."
Commenting on the signing of his two youngsters Head Coach Paul Turner said, "The quality of the academy members has been plain to see. They stood out in training in the summer where their fitness results were outstanding. They are prepared to work hard, learn and develop and the coaching team at The Dragons looks forward to working with them over the next couple of seasons. What I have come to realise since working with these players is their commitment to The Dragons cause. If they were asked where they would want to be in five years time, it would be with this region. Being in the academy has helped them grow and mature as individuals and they have a great attitude, are keen to learn and we are delighted to have some of Wales' most promising talent here at the Dragons region."
