THE Dragons believes Lloyd Evans’ Premiership experience will make him a Rodney Parade hit after confirming the arrival of the fly-half from Gloucester.
The 28-year-old negotiated an early release from the final year of his contract with the Cherry and Whites to push for the 10 jersey at the Dragons.
The Welsh-qualified back has played plenty of rugby at full-back but heads to Rodney Parade as a fly-half to battle with Will Reed.
The Dragons return for pre-season training on Monday and Evans will be part of the countdown to the home United Rugby Championship opener against the Ospreys on September 21.
Flanagan said: “We’re excited that Lloyd is linking up with us. He’s a talented player who arrives with a wealth of experience in the English Premiership and top tier of European competition.
“I’ve watched Lloyd closely for several years and, as a Welsh-qualified player, he joins eager to make an immediate impression in a new competition.
“Lloyd comes with superb references from those who have worked with him; he’s a good professional who demands the highest of standards and is motivated to push himself and secure a starting spot.”
Evans’ arrival will enable Angus O’Brien to return to being a full-back who can cover fly-half, the same as Wales international Cai Evans.
The new signing will share the workload with up-and-coming Reed, who was overused last season when O’Brien suffered a pair of arm injuries.
Evans made 91 appearances for the Cherry and Whites after making his debut as a 17-year-old against Northampton in the 2013 Anglo-Welsh Cup.
Born in Gloucester and educated in Cheltenham, he played age-grade rugby for England but is Welsh-qualified through his father Huw, the former Scarlets chairman.
Last season he made 14 appearances, including a start in the Premiership Cup final win against Leicester, but operated mainly at full-back.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity,” said Evans. “After speaking to Dai Flanagan and [owner] Dai Wright, it’s clear the club is building impressively on and off the pitch, and I can’t wait to get into pre-season and meet my new team-mates.
“The fans are renowned for their passion and I’m looking forward to playing in front of them at Rodney Parade as a Dragon.”
The Argus understands that Evans arrives on an initial one-year contract, allowing the Dragons to hunt bringing in a fly-half for the long-term in their next recruitment drive.
The former Gloucester man will be keen to show he deserves an extended stay, with his versatility attractive even if a new 10 arrives next summer.
The Dragons are keen for Reed to keep developing while Harri Ford caught the eye when starting at fly-half for Wales in Thursday’s World Rugby U20 Championship win against Spain.
The 19-year-old, who has returned to the Rodney Parade club on a senior academy contract, created two tries with electric breaks.
Ford played for Senghenydd and Newbridge then was part of the Dragons academy until having a spell at RGC.
He has returned from the north and is likely to get plenty of match experience in Super Rygbi Cymru, which features the Gwent trio of Newport, Ebbw Vale and Pontypool.
The Dragons have made six summer signings with Evans joined by flanker/lock Shane Lewis-Hughes, back rower Solomone Funaki, lock Steve Cummins, hooker Oli Burrows and centre Harry Wilson.
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