TIGHTHEAD prop Nathan Buck has joined Ealing Trailfinders from Newport Gwent Dragons.

The 24-year-old from Gilwern has signed a deal with the English National One side after being released from his contract by the Rodney Parade region.

“Nathan is a massive lad, he is a destructive scrummager and played against us for Cross Keys last season,” said Ealing director of coaching Ben Ward.

“He has already settled in nicely to the squad and will add to the competition in our front row positions.”

Buck made 66 appearances for the Dragons after battling back from a career-threatening knee injury suffered while playing in Australia in 2009.

However, he endured a frustrating 2013/14 that ended with him behind Duncan Bell, who was brought out of retirement to attempt to solve the region’s scrum problems, in the pecking order.

Buck joins former Newport hooker/flanker Arthur Ellis at Ealing and will lock horns with the Black and Ambers on Saturday, August 16 on his club’s new 3G pitch.