THE Newport Gwent Dragons have signed former Junior All Black, Toulon, Waikato Chiefs and Western Force prop Ben Castle on a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old Castle, who is 6ft tall and weighs 17st 6lb, strengthens the Dragons front row after Rhys Thomas departure for the Scarlets.

"Ben joins us with great experience and leadership having been a regular performer with Waikato Chiefs and this season with Western Force in the Super 14 competition, in addition to his time in France," said Dragons head coach Paul Turner.

"He has good leadership skills having captained Bay of Plenty and is also familiar with our captain Tom Willis from their Chiefs days. He will be a solid addition in the make-up of the Dragons squad."

The former captain of New Zealand provincial side Bay of Plenty won 42 Super Rugby caps with the Chiefs during his five seasons in New Zealand after debuting against the Crusaders in 2004.

"I am very pleased to be joining Newport Gwent Dragons," Castle said. "I am looking forward to joining up with Tom Willis again, who I played alongside in the Chiefs for five years and after playing against Hoani MacDonald numerous times, I am pleased to be playing with him.

"I am excited about the direction of the region."