THE Dragons have signed former Ebbw Vale fly-half Josh Lewis on a two-year contract from Bath.

The 25-year-old from Merthyr made a shock move to the Aviva Premiership last season after catching the eye with the Steelmen in the Principality Premiership.

Lewis was signed as back-up to Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland and England’s Freddie Burns and has made two league appearances off the bench and booted 13 points when given the 10 jersey for the Champions Cup clash with Benetton.

The former stonemason, who played 13 times during a spell with the Scarlets, will now return to Wales with the Dragons after penning a deal through to 2020.

“I am delighted to be joining the Dragons,” said Lewis. “After meeting Bernard Jackman it was clear that the region has ambitious plans following the takeover and I’m excited to become part of the new era.

“I have learned so much from my time at Bath and can’t thank them enough, and I’m sure that this will benefit me hugely come the new season.”

Jackman hopes that the Dragons will reap the rewards of Lewis’ time learning from Priestland and Burns at the Rec.

“Josh Lewis has gained invaluable experience from his time at Scarlets and Bath and now at 25 years of age, he is coming into his prime as a fly-half," said the head coach.

“He was very influential in the success of Ebbw Vale over the last few seasons and I was impressed by how much he wanted to come back to our region and show the talent that he undoubtedly has.

“He has a really good balance to game and I believe he can help us be successful on the pitch next season and beyond.”

Lewis had two spells at Eugene Cross Park, earning a development contract with the Scarlets after helping Ebbw win the WRU Championship in 2013 and then returning to the then Premiership champions in 2016 after being hindered by injuries in Llanelli.

The playmaker made an impression on then Vale coach Nigel Davies with his exploits at 10.

"He has come off the back of a couple of years with the Scarlets where he was unfortunate with injury and there's no doubt in my mind that he is a regional level player,” said the former Wales centre and coach in the autumn of 2016.

The Dragons, who currently have Gavin Henson, who signed on a two-year deal from Bristol last summer, Dorian Jones, who has another season on his contract, Angus O’Brien and Arwel Robson on the books as fly-half options, will hope he proves that at Rodney Parade next season.

Lewis is the seventh signing for next season after Jackman secured the services of hooker Richard Hibbard and back row Ross Moriarty from Gloucester, scrum-half Rhodri Williams and utility back Jordan Williams from Bristol, back row/lock Huw Taylor of Worcester and Rotherham scrum-half Rhodri Davies.

Centres Jarryd Sage and Calvin Wellington have already arrived from Southern Kings and St Helens respectively.