NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have signed young prop David Maddocks from Llanelli Scarlets on a two-year contract, their second newcomer in less than a week.

Maddocks was with the Scarlets for the past two seasons and was a member of their Heineken Cup squad last season after being capped by Wales at under-19 and under-21 level.

He scored a try for Llanelli in their Konica Minolta Cup final win against Pontypridd last season before being released by the region and will probably step into the role vacated by Rod Snow, who brought the curtain down on a 10-year career at Rodney Parade at the end of last season.

"I'm delighted to be joining the Dragons and being part of the professional team and exciting squad that the region has," said Maddocks, who is from Pembrokeshire.

"I have begun training with the squad and can already see that they are very ambitious and I am relishing playing a part in the forthcoming season," he added.

"The set-up at the club is excellent and having seen the cameraderie and team spirit that exists I'm looking forward to being part of the team."

Dragons coach Paul Turner said, "With the retirement of Rod Snow, David gives us depth to the squad. He is a very ambitious player and although at 22 he may be young in prop years he will mature into a very good player in the next couple of years and already possesses the traits of a modern day prop."

Maddocks follows Scotland forward Andrew Hall, who signed last week from Glasgow and will be used by the Dragons mainly as a blindside flanker.

A third senior player is due to join the Dragons, probably by the end of the week, this time a utility back. They have also signed number eight or blindside Andrew Coombs from Pontypool on a development contract.

Coombs looked pretty useful when he played a part in Snow's testimonial match at the end of last season. He will continue to play for Pontypool in the Premier Division if not required by the Dragons.

The Flogas sponsorship deal the Dragons have signed is described as 'significant' by commercial director Gethin Jenkins.

Flogas will replace David Lewis as front line sponsor though Lewis will remain involved with the Dragons. "We are back on track now, season ticket sales have picked up and we're in a strong position to go forward," said Jenkins.