Morgan leads Dragons re-signings

Morgan's re-signing is a huge boost for the Dragons

Kevin Morgan has pledged his future to the Newport Gwent Dragons by signing a new contract extension to stay at the region for the next two seasons.

The Dragons captain and full-back, 29, was one of host of players out of contract at the end of this campaign.

Flanker Jamie Ringer and props Adam Black and Rhys Thomas have also signed similar extensions.

"They are important to our future ambitions and what we want to achieve," said Dragons manager Jim McCreedy.

"They are very much a part of the squad and epitomise what being a team player is about.

"Their contribution to the team over the past few seasons has been outstanding and we are delighted they have pledged their future with the Dragons."

There is no doubt that we have had tough times as a region but we are coming through them Dragons captain Kevin Morgan

Wales internationals Ian Gough and Ceri Sweeney are among eight other regulars who are out of contract at the end of the season and have yet to decide their future.

Coach Paul Turner says he hopes these first four contract extension announcement will convince others to follow suit.

He added: "We set out six weeks ago to target 10 or 12 players we wanted to remain with us that will be out of contract.

"We've made them offers and we are still taking with them. There will be a deadline for an answer because we want to move on."

Ringer, Black and Thomas have been with the Dragons since the region's inception in 2003.

Black leads the way with the most appearances, having played 98 times.

Morgan joined the Dragons in 2004 after the disbandment of the Celtic Warriors, and is the region's third-highest try-scorer with 19.

He said: "There is great potential within the squad and a fantastic team spirit.

"There is no doubt that we have had tough times as a region but we are coming through them on and off field, and we are confident that there are good times ahead."