Newport Gwent Dragons received a big boost today after their talented back row forward Joe Bearman signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at Rodney Parade until 2010.

The 28-year-old has been in fine form for the Dragons this season and he won the recent Magners Player of the Month award after some stirling performances.

And there was further good news for Bearman, who joined the region from the Cornish Pirates in 2005, and the Dragons in that he has successfully recovered from a hernia operation earlier in the week.

Head coach Paul Turner said: "He's been one of our players of the season and we're thrilled that he's signed to stay another two years and showed his faith in the region."