Steff Hughes has earned a long-term deal at the Dragons - just over six months after being unemployed.
The former Scarlets centre had been left without a club last summer after being released by the west Walians, leaving him to train alone. However, a deal with the Dragons as injury cover in October handed him a lifeline and he hasn't looked back since.
In that time, he's made 17 appearances for the Rodney Parade side, scoring twice and proving himself to be a crucial figure in Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan's plans - even captaining the side at times.
“Steff is a key figure within our squad, a player who sets the standards and who wants to really push this club forward," said Flanagan, who also worked with Hughes at the Scarlets.
“His behaviours are exceptional and young players like Aneurin Owen and Will Reed will only get better with people like Steff in the building.
“Steff is very aware of the role he can play here. I know the satisfaction he takes from seeing the development of players like Joe Roberts, Ryan Conbeer and Tom Rogers at Scarlets and we feel he can have the same impact here.”
Hughes is the latest senior player to extend his stay with the Dragons since restrictions over new deals were lifted. The likes of Harri Keddie, Ollie Griffiths, Ashton Hewitt, Jack Dixon, Elliot Dee, Joe Davies, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech and Jared Rosser have all penned deals in recent weeks.
Speaking about his new deal, Hughes said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have signed for another few years at Dragons RFC.
“I’m really enjoying working with some great people at the club and firmly believe we have an exciting period to look forward to ahead of us all.
“I’d also like to thank the supporters at Dragons who have welcomed me with open arms since my arrival and for their continued backing.
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience of playing at Rodney Parade and I’m already looking forward to getting back next season and doing all I can to give our fans the performances and results they richly deserve.”
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