NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have confirmed the signing of openside flanker Nic Cudd and have also snapped up loosehead prop Owen Evans.

Cudd, 23, signs from Llanelli on a one-year deal while former Wales Under-20s prop Evans, also 23, has penned a two-year deal and arrives from Llandovery.

The Dragons needed to add another prop to their ranks to fulfil the requirement of having 10 front row forwards in their Amlin Challenge Cup squad while Cudd’s signing was necessary after Darren Waters ruptured ligaments in his knee.

Director of rugby Robert Beale said: “I am delighted that Nic and Owen are joining the Dragons and would like to thank Anthony Buchanan of Llanelli RFC and Lyndon Lewis of Llandovery RFC for their assistance in these signings.

“Nic has recently been training with the Dragons and has fitted in well with the squad and I look forward to watching him playing in a Dragons shirt.

“Owen will train with the squad on Monday for the first time and joins Aaron Coudley, Phil Price and Nathan Williams as part of the Dragons European squad.”