TIGHTHEAD prop Nathan Evans has moved to Newport RFC on a permanent deal after leaving the Dragons.

The 22-year-old is no stranger to the Black and Ambers after racking up 29 games for the club while with the Dragons academy, including starts in last season's Premiership semi-final and final.

The front rower, who made his professional debut against Munster in Cork in the United Rugby Championship in November, was released at the end of last season.

Evans will stay in Newport and battle for the 3 jersey with Garin Harris and new signing Ollie Drake, who arrives from Gwent rivals Pontypool.

The Black and Ambers are building their squad for the upcoming Super Rygbi Cymru campaign, with the new competition getting under way on September 14 when they host Bridgend.

Last season’s Premiership runners-up have added to the other side of the front row with former Bedwas and Pontypridd loosehead Tom Devine and ex-Dragons age-grade and Scotland Under-18s prop Archie Callaghan.

Newport previously announced that former Dragons academy lock Joe Peard had joined from Ampthill to join Rynard Landman and Josh Skinner as an option for the second row.

Former full-back Gareth Wyatt has rejoined the club as backs coach and there are a number of new arrivals to add to one of the most potent attacks in the league.

Wales Sevens international Iwan Pyrs Jones is back after the elusive 21-year-old winger previously played for the club on permit.

Iwan Johnes will be an option in midfield while Liam Lloyd will battle for action in the back three after previously playing for Merthyr, Ebbw Vale and most recently Pontypridd.

Utility back Tom Hughes featured for Newport in their win at Neath in April and now arrives permanently from Merthyr.

Newport play the first of four pre-season friendlies when they travel to Usk on August 3.

They then host Blackheath and travel to Brecon and Dings Crusaders before getting the serious stuff under way against the Ravens.