DRAGONS centre Jack Dixon has signed a contract extension to stay at Rodney Parade until at least 2021, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 22-year-old from Newbridge has followed tighthead Leon Brown and hooker Elliot Dee in putting pen to paper on a fresh deal.

Dixon has enjoyed a strong start to the season in midfield after fully recovering from the career-threatening kidney injury that he suffered in 2015.

The powerful centre, who made his debut as a 16-year-old against Wasps in 2011 to become the youngest player to play regional rugby, has taken his tally of appearances to 80.

“I re-signed with the region as I feel there are exciting times ahead for the Dragons,” said Dixon. “With the WRU on board and a lot of new faces across the team, I see it as a fresh start.

“I’m a local boy, who supported the Dragons growing up and I really want to see the region doing well.

“I think the future is bright for the Dragons, we have a lot of good, honest players in the team.

“Guided in the right direction I think we can really push on and be a threat in the Guinness PRO14 and other competitions. This year we are definitely going the right way.”

Dixon was called up by Warren Gatland as part of the training squad for the 2015 World Cup but suffered a blow to his kidney on his return to the Dragons in a freak collision with the Scarlets’ James Davies in a pre-season friendly.

That limited him to just three games in 2015/16 and last season he struggled for form, but the centre has been getting back to his best this term.

He led the charge in the superb defensive effort that earned a win against Connacht – making 23 tackles and keeping Bundee Aki under wraps – and has established himself as first-choice 12.

Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman said: “Jack is the latest promising local talent to commit his future to the Dragons, which is fantastic news.

“With Jack having ambitions with us and internationally we believe that he has a bright future ahead of him. I look forward to seeing him grow as a player.”