FORMER All Black scrum half Danny Lee has spoken of his delight at joining the Newport Gwent Dragons next season on a two-year deal.

Lee will bring experience and expertise to the Dragons half-backs following a Super 14 career which has seen him line up for the Wellington Hurricanes, Chiefs and Auckland Blues.

"I was rapt when this offer came up," said Lee.

"The Dragons have already beaten teams they weren't expected to – my job is to help them get better and better.”

Lee continued: “I want to help make changes and experience a new style of competition. "

The 32 year-old Lee has played for New Zealand at every level, scoring a try in his debut for the all Blacks in 2002 against England.

"Danny’s been a proven performer at the highest level in New Zealand rugby over the past few years," said Dragons head coach Paul Turner.

"He has a good track record and is a strong all-round player.

"As a former All Black, Danny brings a tremendous pedigree and experience to the region.”

Lee was also one of the driving forces behind the Hawkes Bay team he captained in the Air New Zealand Cup.

Turner added: “Not only will he be a valued addition to the side, but we are confident that he will help develop our emerging scrum halves."

The Dragons also signed ex-Junior All Black prop Ben Castle this week after it was officially announced Wales’ Rhys Thomas would be leaving Rodney Parade to join the Scarlets.

South African-born Thomas exits Rodney Parade after eight years with Newport Youth, Newport and the Dragons.

Thomas, son of a Newport man, was a member of Wales’ Six Nations squad this season.

The 29-year-old Castle captained New Zealand provincial side Bay of Plenty and made 42 appearances for the chiefs as well as playing for the Junior All Blacks against Australia A.

Castle, who currently plays in the Super 14 for the Australian outfit Western Force, joins the Gwent region on a three-year deal.

The arrival of the latest Kiwi duo in time for next season will take the number of New Zealanders in the Dragons squad to seven.

Former All Blacks hooker Tom Willis, forwards Grant Webb, Hoani MacDonald and Nigel Hall, and outside half James Arlidge, capped at full international level by Japan, being the other five.