NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have snapped up South African back Pat Howard from Northampton Saints on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old wing, who can also cover centre, will join the Welsh region in the summer.

Howard began his rugby career at Western Province and was a key member of the under-19 side that reached the Provincial Championship semi-finals in 2011.

In 2012, Howard was in the South Africa Under-20s squad that won the IRB Junior World Championship, though he missed the final following a hamstring injury.

Howard joined Munster during the 2014/15 season and featured for the Irish province in both the Guinness Pro 12 and the European Champions Cup.

He made his first appearance for Munster against the Men of Gwent at Rodney Parade.

After signing his Dragons contract, Howard said: “I am really looking forward to returning to play in the Guinness Pro 12 and am delighted that I have put pen to paper with the Dragons.

“I made my first appearance for Munster at Rodney Parade against the Dragons, and I am excited to be returning there and playing in front of a great crowd.”

He continued: “I am sure that there are good times ahead with a young and exciting squad being assembled and I am looking forward to making the move to Wales.”

Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones added: “We are delighted to bring Pat on board, he is a player that we have been monitoring for over 18 months.

“He is a dangerous attacking player with both strength and pace, and his physical nature of playing will add to our youthful backline.

“We are pleased to be welcoming him to our squad and we look forward to seeing him in a Dragons jersey next season.”