NEWPORT Gwent Dragons captain and record appearance holder Lewis Evans has signed a two-year contract extension.

The 29-year-old back row forward from Newport has penned a deal that will keep him at Rodney parade until at least 2019.

Evans made his first regional appearance against the Scarlets in 2006 and passed iconic hooker Steve Jones’ tally of 180 games for the Dragons in September.

He currently stands on 195 games and the captain believes his fresh deal makes it likely he will end his career as a one-club man.

“I am very, very pleased to have signed a new contract with the Dragons,” said Evans, who can play blindside, openside and number eight.

“It’s a place that I have called home for over ten years and it looks like I will be spending my whole career here, which is something that I am very proud of.

“I am a Gwent man and it’s a special place for me. I feel that the next three years are going to be the best three years yet, and I look forward to these coming years and the challenges that lie ahead.”

When Evans came through the ranks he learnt his trade alongside the likes of Colin Charvis, Joe Bearman, Jamie Ringer and Richard Parks. Now he hopes to help the next generation of Dragons.

“Throughout my time here I have had some great experiences and learnt a lot whilst playing alongside many quality players,” he said.

“I recognise that I am now one of the senior players here and it’s great that there are many others senior players around me, whilst also having a good generation of youth coming through too.

“I really believe that the Dragons are in a good place, and it’s down to us to show how good we are and what we are capable of.

“My job is to keep fit and play well, whilst maintaining my position in the back row over the next few years.

“Whilst it being nice to develop the likes of Ollie Griffiths and Harri Keddie, who are ones for the future, at the same time I need to keep my spot in the team. Hopefully by pushing ourselves it can make myself and the youngsters better.”

Head coach Kingsley Jones is thrilled that one of his most influential players has committed to the Dragons.

He said: “Loyalty seems to be becoming a rarity in the modern professional game which makes it all the more pleasing that Lewis has decided to commit further to the region after 10 years of service.

“He has been an exceptional player for the Dragons, covering across the back row, and I feel the next few years will see Lewis play his best rugby.

“He has grown as a leader and his game understanding is second to none. I look forward to working closely with him over the coming seasons.”