NEWPORT Gwent Dragons forward James Thomas has been rewarded for his super start to the season with a long-term contract, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 24-year-old lock/blindside from Blackwood was handed a chance on a one-year deal after impressing with Bedwas in the Principality Premiership.

The former Wales Under-20s captain expected to be a fringe figure but was the beneficiary of the Dragons' second row injury crisis and is now being selected in his own right at his preferred position of flanker.

Thomas will make his 14th appearance of the season in the Boxing Day derby against Cardiff Blues and will head to the Arms Park on a fresh contract.

"When Jevon Groves left at the end of last season we had a space in our squad for a blindside and we wanted somebody from Gwent," said director of rugby Lyn Jones.

"James was the obvious candidate and we gave him chances through injuries. He took his opportunity and is now on an extended contract.

"I'll be honest, when he came on against the Scarlets he was pretty dreadful and against Edinburgh he improved to awful!

"Then he came on against Stade Francais after three minutes, did well and his confidence and performances have gone upwards since.

"As a coach it's really nice to see young players get opportunities and for them to take it and establish themselves.

"We can now relax when Lewis Evans, Andrew Coombs or Toby Faletau isn't available for selection because James can come in and perform."

Thomas came through the Dragons' academy but made just one senior appearance – as a replacement in the Anglo-Welsh Cup win against Sale in 2009 – before being released in 2011 after serious injuries to both knees.

He made his comeback with Pontypool before moving to Bedwas and earning another crack as a professional, combining his regional commitments with the final year of a biomedical science degree at Cardiff University.