The Dragons have continued to re-shape their squad for next season with the signing of Worcester Warriors back row forward Huw Taylor.
The Welsh-qualified 21-year-old becomes the eighth new recruit for Dragons coach Bernard Jackman after agreeing a two-year deal.
Taylor has made 24 appearances for the Warriors since coming through the English club’s academy, but has not been a regular this season with just one appearance in the Aviva Premiership.
But the youngster was part of the Warriors side that lifted the B&I Cup trophy in 2015 and was a member of the England squad that won the U20 World Cup in 2016.
Despite that red rose link, Taylor could still play for Wales at senior level due to a Welsh grandparent.
Jackman has already signed new centres Jarryd Sage and Calvin Wellington this season and five players are confirmed to arrive in the summer – Gloucester back row Ross Moriarty and hooker Richard Hibbard, Bristol scrum-half Rhodri Williams and utility back Jordan Williams, plus Rotherham scrum-half Rhodri Davies.
Taylor said: “I am very excited to be joining the Dragons at this time.
“They have a youthful team there with great potential to develop, and I am looking forward to being an integral part of that change.
“It appears to be an up and coming environment and I am excited to get stuck in next season.
“I am very grateful to Worcester Warriors for all of the significant experience I have learned throughout my time here and will play to the best of my ability for the remainder of my time here.”
Jackman said: “We are delighted to be able to bring Huw to the Dragons next season.
“He is a valuable addition to our squad because of his versatility in that he can play lock or back row and is an excellent lineout forward. He has strong leadership credentials despite his young age and we look forward to helping him realise his undoubted potential with us over the next two seasons.”
Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons said: “Huw is at the stage of his career where he wants to get regular game time and he now has an opportunity to move to Dragons and work hard to get that.
“We thank him for the professionalism he has shown during his time here and wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his career.”
