FORMER Wales hooker Richard Hibbard says he has plenty left in the tank to provide the Dragons with his trademark “big clatter” – along with “psychopath” Ross Moriarty.

The duo will arrive at Rodney Parade from Gloucester next season as head coach Bernard Jackman revamps his side.

Front rower Hibbard spent four successful seasons at Kingsholm after heading over the border from the Ospreys.

The 34-year-old made the move as a Lion, having started all three Tests in the series win against Australia in 2013, but insists he is returning as a better player.

And he has brushed off questions about the wisdom of giving him a three-year contract, pointing to his past record in Swansea and the west country.

“My body is feeling great and in the last few years I have been playing the best rugby I’ve played, so there is plenty of life in me,” said Hibbard.

“I want to be my usual self – I am always up for a challenge and like a big clatter, so that’s hopefully what I will bring.

“I had four years at Gloucester and finished with 100 games, so it worked out at 25 games a season and in the first I was still playing internationals.

“At the Ospreys I made 175 appearances, so I am durable. I am not too worried about my body, it feels great, and I still have the hunger. The moment the hunger goes away is when you want to worry.”

Hibbard is known for his big carries and thumping tackles, just like his fellow new recruit Moriarty.

“That ‘psychopath’ will bring pretty much a mad dog hunger and desire – he's an absolute animal!” said the hooker about the 24-year-old Wales and Lions back row forward.

“The guy will run through walls for you. He was a bit temperamental in his younger days but nowadays is slightly less.

“He’s got raw aggression and you can’t train that in the gym or on the pitch. Ross has got it in abundance.

“I think that’s why the Dragons have signed me, as a minder for him! It’s good to have a talisman in the squad and Ross is still only a young bloke and has a big future ahead of him.

“He wants to do as well as he did in England in Wales now and really step onto the stage.”

The pair will be key figures as the Dragons attempt to improve on their nightmare 2017/18 that saw them win just twice in the Guinness PRO14.

Hibbard’s signing was announced in December before the region’s form fell off a cliff but the experienced campaigner wasn’t alarmed and knows that the region must build steadily over his three-year stay.

“When I met Bernard and he explained what he wants to do and where he wants to take the region and develop the club, I could see it all,” said Hibbard.

“I know that it’s not going to come overnight and that they blooded a lot of young players last season.

“That’s really important to do and I am glad they did it last year so that next season we can get on with the job and put our best foot forward.”