NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will have the services of Kris Burton for all of 2013/14 after the fly-half announced his international retirement, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 32-year-old Italian international, pictured, is heading to Rodney Parade from Treviso in the summer.

And Burton has handed his new employers a boost by saying that his Six Nations appearance against Wales in February was his last for the Azzurri.

“I want to focus more on playing rugby and being with the family,” said Brisbane-born Burton.

“It’s a good time for Italy to start blooding some young 10s.”

Luciano Orquera stood out at 10 for Italy in the Six Nations while Australia-born James Ambrosini is seen as the heir to the throne.

In fact, it was his emergence that led to Burton heading to Wales – but he has stressed he is not winding down before hanging up his boots.

“I still feel young so I’m going to play as long as I can,” he added.

“Rugby in the UK is something I’ve never experienced. I think it’s a good opportunity to help bring a lot of the young players through at the Dragons. I’m not going there to finish my career, I’m looking to play good rugby.”

Burton, who booted 21 points in Treviso’s shock win against the Scarlets last Friday, will bring some much-needed experience to the Dragons’ back line.

And he knows all about performing at Rodney Parade – in 2012 he managed a clean sweep of a try, two conversions, two penalties and a drop goal in an 18-point haul to see his side home.

Nobody really made the Dragons’ number 10 jersey their own this term with Steffan Jones making 16 starts, Dan Evans eight and Lewis Robling eight.