Smith and Evans have formed a joint committee to organise a series of exciting events during the year of 2016 to celebrate their long-standing careers with the Men of Gwent.
Hard-working centre Ashley Smith is a Dragons academy product and after being identified at an early age he went on to represent Wales throughout the age grades and captained the U20s in the 2007 Six Nations Tournament.
The 28-year-old began his time with the Region in 2005 and has made an outstanding contribution with over 160 appearances for the Dragons. Before his time with the Men of Gwent, Smith made a number of appearances for premiership side Newport RFC.
Newport born flanker Lewis Evans is also a Dragons academy product, with over 150 appearances for the region under his belt. The former Dragons captain has represented Wales at all age grades, as well as enjoying a stint in the Wales 7s side.
The versatile back row forward has previously played for premiership sides Ebbw Vale and Newport RFC before joining the Region.
Ashley Smith commented: “On behalf of Lewis and I, I’d like to thank the club for awarding us a joint benefit year.
“It’s been a privilege and an honour to have represented our home Region for the past ten years and we look forward to celebrating our benefit year together.”
Newport Gwent Dragons director, Jim McCreedy added: “We are delighted to award two such recognisable Dragons players a joint benefit year.
“Such loyalty is rare in the professional game nowadays but it is something that we seek to promote and recognise at the Dragons.
“I am sure that their efforts for, and commitment to, the region are much appreciated by both supporters and their peers, and everyone at Rodney Parade wishes them a very successful year.”
For more information on the benefit year please contact tony@underthepostsltd.co.uk
Hard-working centre Ashley Smith is a Dragons academy product and after being identified at an early age he went on to represent Wales throughout the age grades and captained the U20s in the 2007 Six Nations Tournament.
The 28-year-old began his time with the Region in 2005 and has made an outstanding contribution with over 160 appearances for the Dragons. Before his time with the Men of Gwent, Smith made a number of appearances for premiership side Newport RFC.
Newport born flanker Lewis Evans is also a Dragons academy product, with over 150 appearances for the region under his belt. The former Dragons captain has represented Wales at all age grades, as well as enjoying a stint in the Wales 7s side.
The versatile back row forward has previously played for premiership sides Ebbw Vale and Newport RFC before joining the Region.
Ashley Smith commented: “On behalf of Lewis and I, I’d like to thank the club for awarding us a joint benefit year.
“It’s been a privilege and an honour to have represented our home Region for the past ten years and we look forward to celebrating our benefit year together.”
Newport Gwent Dragons director, Jim McCreedy added: “We are delighted to award two such recognisable Dragons players a joint benefit year.
“Such loyalty is rare in the professional game nowadays but it is something that we seek to promote and recognise at the Dragons.
“I am sure that their efforts for, and commitment to, the region are much appreciated by both supporters and their peers, and everyone at Rodney Parade wishes them a very successful year.”
For more information on the benefit year please contact tony@underthepostsltd.co.uk