NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have received a huge boost with the decision of Kevin Morgan, Luke Charteris and Jamie Ringer to sign new two-year contracts.

All are key players for the future and they follow skipper Jason Forster, Ian Gough and Nathan Brew who have all signed new deals as they come out of current contracts.

It means that of the Dragons' present squad the only players they are to lose are Percy Montgomery, who is returning to South Africa, and Rod Snow, who is retiring and going back to Canada.

Other key members of the squad are already under contract, having previously signed new deals.

"It's a huge vote of confidence in the region which we are continuing to drive forward," said chief executive Andy Marinos, though he, too, is finishing to return to South Africa.

The future of 22-year-old Charteris had been a concern, with Zurich Premiership champions Wasps and Celtic League champions Neath Swansea Ospreys believed to be tracking him as he came out of contract.

But he is a big part of the Dragons' future and they will be looking to the 6ft 10ins giant playing a bigger role next season after a number of injury problems this year.

Morgan has put all his injury worries behind him since joining the Dragons last summer after two months without a team with the winding up of the Celtic Warriors.

He has shown his ability by scoring a personal record 17 tries and playing a key role in the last two games of Wales' march to their first Grand Slam for 27 years.

He was unlucky not to be chosen for the British Lions tour this summer, though he is a certainty for Wales in Canada and America in June.

Ringer has been another leading member of the Dragons team whether at blindside or openside flanker and has been playing some of the best rugby of his career.

Marinos paid tribute to all three players. "Kevin arrived plagued by injuries, but has been one of our form players," he said.

"He has played to the maximum of his ability for the Dragons and got his just reward being part of Wales' Grand Slam team. He should definitely be a British Lion. It's a huge vote of confidence that a player of his calibre has re-signed.

"Jamie has been outstanding, one of the form players in the country and Europe. Signing for a further two years is fantastic news for the Dragons and we are obviously delighted.

"Luke signing is also a huge boost, especially as the Ospreys and clubs across the board were interested in him.

"But he never had any intention of leaving, and it's fantastic that a player of his calibre who has made such huge strides is prepared to commit himself for another two years.

"It all shows we've got a very strong region to take us forward into a new era. Unfortunately, I won't be here to enjoy it, but I'll be looking at the internet to see how they're doing."