NEWPORT RFC have added to their firepower for the upcoming Super Rygbi Cymru season by signing David Richards on a permanent deal.

The full-back is a firm favourite with the Black and Ambers after making his debut in 2018 and brought up a half-century of appearances in the Premiership final against Llandovery.

The 24-year-old former Monmouth School pupil will stay with the club after his Dragons contract came to an end.

Richards, whose younger sister Catherine made her Wales debut against France in the Six Nations, won man of the match in Newport’s 2022 Premiership Cup final win against Aberavon at Principality Stadium.

The rapid back's Premiership exploits led to him earning a chance with the Dragons and he scored a double against Zebre Parma when fielded as a winger at Rodney Parade.

However, Richards suffered a serious hamstring tear when side-stepped against the Lions in Johannesburg in November, 2022.

RAPID: David Richards scores for the Dragons against ZebreRAPID: David Richards scores for the Dragons against Zebre (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

That was followed by a back problem that affected his hamstrings and impacted his power and explosiveness, but he returned at the end of last season.

Richards made six appearances for Newport and showed his quality in the Premiership final at Llandovery when he sparked a length of the field attack with a cunning goal-line drop-out.

The full-back will aim to get a good pre-season under his belt before firing for Ty Morris’ side in the SRC along with fellow speedsters Lloyd Lewis, Elliot Frewen, Ioan Davies, Jon Morris and Iwan Pyrs Jones.

The Black and Ambers, who have added coaches Ceri Jones and Gareth Wyatt to their backroom staff and made a raft of signings, play the first of four pre-season fixtures at Usk on August 3.

They also take on Blackheath, Brecon and Dings Crusaders in the build-up to their SRC opener against Bridgend at Spytty Park on Saturday, September 14.