NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have confirmed the departures of three overseas players as they clear the decks for their new arrivals.

Irish full back Jamie Smith’s injury-plagued spell at Rodney Parade is over, the Ulsterman having made just four appearances in two seasons.

South Africa international wing Tonderai Chavhanga and Samoa centre Andy Tuilagi have also left.

Back row forward Hywel Stoddart, 27, and lock Josh Tyler, 22, have also left the region at the end of their contracts.

Number eight Tom Brown, 29, has signed for Jersey in the English Championship and loosehead prop Dan Watchurst has retired at the age of 23 after a serious of injuries.

“We thank all the players for their efforts throughout their time with the region and wish them all the best for the challenges that lie ahead,” said director of rugby Robert Beale.

A hip injury forced hooker Steve Jones to retire in April while it has been known since December that Wales star Dan Lydiate will be playing elsewhere next season.

The Dragons have made six new signings for next season with former Wales duo Richie Rees and Rhys Thomas heading to Rodney Parade along with Fijian back row forward Netani Talei, South African lock Martin Muller, Argentina prop Tetaz Chapparo and Italy fly half Kris Burton.

Meanwhile, the Dragons have signed a deal with Caerphilly Council to make the £6 million Ystrad Mynach Centre for Sporting Excellence their training base.

In July 2012 the Argus revealed their plans to move to a new state-of-the-art facility on the site of the former Ystrad Mynach Hospital.

The region hope to move in once construction work is completed early next year.

“It’s a really exciting development and will be incredibly important to us,” said Dragons chief executive Chris Brown.