NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have signed Ulster’s highly promising full back Jamie Smith on a three-year deal.

They also aim to qualify the 22-year-old Ballymena product for Wales at the end of his contract – they rate him that highly.

Smith, whose uncle Steve was a hooker with Ireland and the Lions, has been capped at schools, Under 19 and Under 20 level.

He made his senior Ulster debut against Leinster 15 months ago and has made 16 appearances for them, scoring three tries. He is a lightning quick runner, an incisive full back who played against the Dragons in their 22-22 draw at Ravenhill last season.

“He has played against us and he watched us there recently when we lost to the last kick and scored a few tries,” said Dragons coach Darren Edwards.

“He knows what we are all about and our brand of rugby suits him. He’s going to slot in really well, he’s a young, attacking full back in the mould of Martyn Thomas.

“We are looking for strike runners who will add more pace to our attacks and he’s going to be a real threat for us.

“He trained with the full Ireland squad in the Six Nations this year, which is where I spoke to him, and he sees this as a real opportunity for him.

“We have signed him on a three-year contract so that at the end of it he could push for Wales having qualified for them. We haven’t got many full backs coming through so we have served Welsh rugby too.”

Smith passed a medical in Wales last Thursday and contracts have been signed. Dragons director of rugby Robert Beale says Ulster have agreed to release Smith early from his contract with them which had another year to run.

“I’m delighted, we’re getting a young talent, someone who fits the profile of the type of player we are trying to sign here. We’re looking forward to seeing him in the summer,” he said.

Smith is the Dragons’ second signing, following scrum half Joe Bedford, the Rotherham and former Leeds player who has already bought a new home at Caerleon with his wife and 20-month-old daughter.

“I’m really excited about joining the Dragons,” said the 26-year-old.

“I played at Rodney Parade in 2005 for England Under 21s against Wales when we were well beaten, but I remember the fans were magnificent in supporting their team.

“Not only were they encouraging and incredibly noisy but they showed they know their rugby and were quick to applaud good play, though not much of it came from us.” Bedford began his career with Saracens in the Premiership then had two years with Rotherham before signing for Leeds for three years when he came into contact with Edwards, then a Tykes player.

Bedford returned to Rotherham at the end of last season as club captain, a position he has held this campaign.