NEWPORT have bolstered their pack for the Super Rygbi Cymru season by signing former Dragons academy lock Joe Peard.

The hefty ex-Wales Under-20s international – who is 6ft 8ins and was just shy of 20st at the start of last season – arrives from Ampthill in the English Championship.

The 22-year-old from Newport, son of former Newbridge lock Mike and grandson of ex-international referee Les, came through the ranks with the Dragons but never made a senior appearance.

He had a spell with Cardiff and then Jersey before heading to play for Paul Turner’s Ampthill in England’s second tier.

Now he will feature for Premiership runners-up Newport in the new SRC competition, developing alongside former Dragons captain Rynard Landman and influential Josh Skinner.

The Black and Ambers are also likely to keep calling on the services of Barny Langton-Cryer, who earned chances with the Dragons last season, and Wales Under-20s international Nick Thoamas in the coming campaign.

Newport have also announced the signing of scrum-half Ethan Lloyd from Merthyr.

The 22-year-old former Wales Under-20s international, who faced Toulouse with Cardiff in the Champions Cup, joined Luke Crane as an option for the 9 jersey.

The Black and Ambers are also set to still have Che Hope to call on when he is not on duty with the Dragons.

Newport, who were edged out by Llandovery in the Premiership final last season, have already announced some backroom changes.

Head coach Ty Morris has brought in a pair of former Black and Ambers players to join his staff in forwards coach Ceri Jones and backs coach Gareth Wyatt, who were with RGC and Pontypridd last season.

Newport's SRC season starts with a Spytty Park clash with Bridgend on Saturday, September 14.