Dragons have signed 29-year-old hooker Rhys Lawrence from Ealing Trailfinders on a two-year contract.
Swansea-born Lawrence gained six Wales under-20s caps, including three appearances at the 2008 U20 World Championship before breaking through at the Scarlets.
After two seasons with the Scarlets, Lawrence joined Ealing Trailfinders after four years at Bristol, scoring 10 tries in 83 appearances for the West country outfit. He became a key player for the West London club, as they finished second in the Championship this term behind his former club, Bristol.
Speaking about the signing, Dragons Head Coach Bernard Jackman said: “We are pleased to be able to bring in a player of Rhys’ abilities into the squad at hooker to compete with Elliot Dee and Richard Hibbard.
“We expect Elliot will continue to push for international honours and we found ourselves short on experience and availability in that position this season, so Rhys’ addition provides us with further competition in a key area.
“I’m sure Rhys will add a lot to our group with his physicality and ability around the park, as well as at the set piece, so we look forward to welcoming him into pre-season.”
Explaining his decision to move, Lawrence was quick to highlight the excitement of joining the Dragons.
“Bernard has got a great outlook and positive vision of where he wants this team to go so it was a straightforward decision to join the Dragons," said Lawrence.
“You can see with the recruits Bernard is bringing in and what’s going on behind the scenes. It’s exciting times and I can’t wait to be a part of that.
“My dad is originally from Cardiff and his brothers are there, but I was brought up in Swansea. I’ve had three years in London with Ealing Trailfinders and I’ve really enjoyed it. I was at Bristol before that so I’ve worked my way into the middle of England and now it’s time to head back west.
“I enjoy the physical side of the game, so I always aim to bring that edge into matches, as well as a consistency at set piece.”
