VALLEYS-based civil engineering company David Lewis (CE) has become the official title sponsor of Newport Gwent Dragons.

It replaces Bisley office equipment, the family business of club benefactor Tony Brown.

The deal runs for one year, with an option to renew at the end of it. The value of the sponsorship was undisclosed but was said to be a "significant sum".

David Lewis employs around 400 people and tackles engineering contracts, mainly in the water utility sector.

It was founded in 1984 by David Lewis with a loan from his father to buy his first JCB.

Dragons chief executive Andy Marinos said: "It's tremendous to welcome on board a new sponsor of such a high calibre.

"The company has pledged its faith in this team in what promises to be a very exciting, action-packed season.

"It's now full steam ahead towards the opening fixtures in September." David Lewis' wife, Jayne, a director of the company, said: "We are thrilled to come on board as title sponsors to the Newport Gwent Dragons. The team is high profile, very ambitious and has a team and staff of the highest order.

"We were attracted by the club's forward thinking, and we are very confident that the partnership will be extremely beneficial. The coverage that the team receives in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League meant the decision to come on board wasn't one we had to think about for too long."

Dragons' commercial director Gethin Jenkins said: "The new deal arose from an approach made by the company to the club.

"We have a number of other opportunities available, including box sponsorships, perimeter boards and programme advertising."