PROP Brok Harris has given Newport Gwent Dragons a double boost by following fellow influential South African Rynard Landman in signing a fresh deal at Rodney Parade.

On Thursday the Dragons announced that ex-Cheetahs lock Landman penned a two-year contract extension and his compatriot has followed suit.

Harris, primarily a tighthead, has been influential on and off the pitch since arriving from the Stormers and Western Province in the autumn of 2014.

The 31-year-old has made 61 appearances for the Dragons, helping shore up the scrum and impressing with his work rate around the paddock.

The South African aims to keep producing the goods on the pitch but to also help in the development of burgeoning tightheads Leon Brown and Lloyd Fairbrother.

“I've always said that there are a lot of talented players in the Dragons squad,” said the former Super Rugby front rower.

“Since the change in the coaching staff came, a team environment has been created where gifted players are mentored by the more experienced players, ensuring that the combination of talent and experience results in our (improved) performance.

“This has led me to believe that there is a bright future for the Dragons and therefore the decision to stay with the region came naturally as I feel that I can contribute more towards the future of the team.”

Like Landman, the South African will become Welsh-qualified next year and that will free up room in the Dragons’ squad for more overseas recruits.

Harris is a glowing example of what an import should bring to the table and head coach Kingsley Jones believes the front rower’s willingness to put pen to paper is a sign of the strides being made at Rodney Parade.

“Brok decided to extend his contract without going to the market and that’s a big compliment to the region,” he said.

“If he had gone to the market place I am sure that he could’ve chosen any club, as he is a player of quality and experience.

“He’s one of the best rugby playing tightheads in the league and he brings us a lot, not only on game day but in the environment and the amount of time he spends with Lloyd Fairbrother and Leon Brown is testament to the type of person he is.

“He is fantastic in the rugby environment and is a great character to have around.”

Harris, who has been troubled by a hamstring injury of late, will back up Fairbrother in the Boxing Day derby at Cardiff Blues.