NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will face a swift reunion with Aled Brew in a pre-season friendly against Biarritz, writes Chris Kirwan.

The region will take on the Amlin Challenge Cup holders in France on Friday, August 10 (kick-off 7pm, local time).

The encounter at the Parc des Sports Aguiléra could see them lock horns with Wales wing Brew, who left the Dragons at the end of last season after being offered a bumper deal by the Top 14 outfit.

Biarritz, who qualified for next season’s Heineken Cup thanks to their Challenge Cup victory, have also signed former Wales prop Ben Broster.

The game is sandwiched by Rodney Parade fixtures against a Gwent Select XV – set to be coached by Bedwas’ Steve Law, Cross Keys’ Greg Woods and Newport’s Jon Bryant – on Saturday, August 4 and London Irish on Friday, August 17.

- Dragons season tickets are on sale with adult tickets starting from £99. Call the ticket office on 01633 674990 or go to newportgwentdragons.com for more information.

- Dragons junior academy manager Paul Young has been appointed as forwards coach Bridgend.

The 39-year-old former Newport and Wales hooker is currently head coach at Coleg Gwent, Crosskeys, who won the Welsh Colleges League last season.

His appointment at the Brewery Field outfit means that both of the men heading the junior academies will be at Premiership clubs outside the region next term.

Dai Flanagan, who is heading the new centre based at Newport High School that will start up in September, has penned a deal with Pontypridd after leaving the Ospreys.