MIDFIELD duo Ross Wardle and Jack Dixon have penned fresh deals with Newport Gwent Dragons – and their boss has tipped them to soon be starring for Wales.

The two centres will be at Rodney Parade until at least the summer of 2017 after extending their contracts along with tighthead Dan Way.

Wardle has impressed in his first full season with the Dragons after graduating from Cardiff University with a pharmacy masters.

The former Bedwas centre, who in 2009 turned down an offer to become a professional rugby league player with the Crusaders in favour of continuing his studies, has made seven appearances and has caught the eye with his power in both attack and defence.

The 22-year-old signed a one-year contract at the end of the 2012/13 campaign and his rapid progress meant the Dragons were quick to tie up a long-term deal.

Dixon made a superb start to the season and would have been in the mix for Wales' autumn series squad were it not for a toe injury suffered against the Scarlets, a blow that will sideline him until next year.

The 18-year-old from Newbridge, a key figure in the Wales Under-20s side that finished second in last summer's Junior Championship, was under contract until the summer of 2015 but has agreed a fresh extension.

"I've been impressed with both players since coming here in the summer," said director of rugby Lyn Jones. "Their attitude and speed of improvement has been incredible.

"Ross and Jack are two players that this region can build around – and I feel that they will play international rugby within three years."

Tighthead prop Way first caught the region's eye when playing for Newport and has gone on to become a firm fixture in the front row since his Dragons debut in 2010.

The 26-year-old from Swindon, who will qualify for Wales on residency terms at the end of this season, has missed just one fixture this term and Jones believes he will continue to make strides as he gets more propping experience.

"Dan is learning and getting better every week," said the director of rugby. "We need to give him more time to grow and to become as good a tighthead as he can be."