NEWPORT Gwent Dragons head coach Paul Turner has agreed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at the region until May 2010.

Chief executive Gethin Jenkins said the Dragons would be working with Turner to retain and recruit new players.

Turner has spoken of his desire to sign at least two quality players and to continue developing young players.

He said: "I am aware of the financial constraints we face but we are developing plans to blend our exciting emerging talent with some experience in order that we can continue to grow as we head to the new stadium.

"These are exciting and opportune times for the Dragons and I am delighted to be a part of it."

Jenkins said he was pleased Turner had agreed to a contract extension: "This will allow the Dragons to build on the strong foundations laid by the coaches, players, staff and directors here at the Dragons in recent years.

"We have discussed at length what we are trying to achieve and Paul understands the financial position we have to work within.

"This is especially in light of the exciting regeneration project the ground will undertake in the next two years.

"We will now work with Paul to retain and recruit new players as we build on these plans and head towards the new stadium.

"I thank Paul and his team for their work so far in developing the squad and providing the opportunities for Welsh talent to emerge. I trust that this development will continue as we plan and build towards the new stadium."

Turner added: "I am proud of what we are doing here at the Dragons and representing the area I grew up in.

"The coaching team and myself have worked hard to develop local talent and I am glad that I have been given the opportunity to continue this development."