A player who once turned down a Wales tour spot has become the second English exile to be unveiled as a new signing by the Dragons in as many days.
Centre Max Clark will come on board this summer after agreeing to join the Gwent region from Bath on a long-term deal.
He follows Welsh-qualified Exeter back-five forward Sean Lonsdale in putting pen to paper on a move to Rodney Parade.
The 26-year-old Clark was born in Bridgend and his mother is Welsh.
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But he grew up over the bridge, attending Bryanston School in Dorset, and went on to represent England at U16, U18 and U20s levels.
He was part of the U20s side that finished runners up to New Zealand at the 2015 Junior World Cup, scoring the opening try of the final.
Having come through the Academy at Bath, he started to make his mark at senior level in the Premiership, catching the eye with his strong carrying and defensive solidity.
Aware of his eligibility through birth and the fact he wasn’t tied to England through his age-grade appearances, Warren Gatland’s Wales approached him about going on the 2017 summer tour of the South Seas.
But the then 21-year-old Clark turned down the offer as he wanted to leave the door ajar for an England call up and keep his options open.
Now though he has decided to commit his future to Welsh rugby by joining the Men of Gwent.
“I’m unbelievably excited for what’s to come at Dragons,” he said.
“It’s a new challenge for me and I feel it’s what’s needed to move forward as a player.
“Looking at next season’s squad, I have high hopes for our future and look for forward to making a contribution to our success.”
Director of Rugby Dean Ryan said: “Max is a talented young player who is eager to join us and start a new chapter, after spending his entire career at Bath.
“He’s a very ambitious player who really wants to impress in Wales and become a key part of what we are building for the years ahead.”
Clark, who stands 6ft 3in tall and weighs 15st 10lbs, has made 85 appearances for Bath, scoring nine tries.
He becomes the Dragons’ fifth new recruit ahead of next season, joining Ulster’s Wales squad hooker Bradley Roberts, Clermont Auvergne utility back JJ Hanrahan, Ospreys prop Rhodri Jones and the versatile Lonsdale.
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