DRAGONS stalwart Brok Harris has signed a contract extension to stay at Rodney Parade at least until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old prop was given a new short-term deal last summer but will now remain until the end of the campaign, with another extension then likely given his influence both on and off the field.

The South African signed from the Stormers in 2014 and has been a firm fixture in the side ever since, initially as a tighthead and recently as a loosehead.

He has racked up 120 games and has been a key figure this season because of Ryan Bevington's knee injury and the retirement of Jack Cosgrove because of a serious eye injury suffered in a training ground accident.

Harris has started in 11 of 13 games, came off the bench against Castres and his sole breather came against Enisei-STM in Russia.

His importance was shown in the first two festive derbies when he was kept on for the whole 80 minutes against both the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues, helping the Dragons have the better of the scrum battle.

South Wales Argus:

"I'm excited and happy to sign the contract extension," said Harris. "We're building something at the Dragons and I want to be part of the group that helps the region grow.

"Working under Dean (Ryan, director of rugby) has been good. He didn't come in and change everything overnight, but with his experience and knowledge, we're making some progress.

"He challenges us as players to learn and our squad is in a good place."

Harris has been working with the Dragons Under-16s and is a mentor to the promising props Josh Reynolds and Chris Coleman, who have featured for the seniors this season.

"There is a lot of talent at the Dragons," said the South African. "They are keen and it's always a good thing for youngsters to want to learn. As older guys we try and give something back."

Ryan is pleased to have Harris as an influence both on and off the field.

The director of rugby said: "His performance levels are always consistent, which marks him out as a leader. He's a good role model for our younger players and is helping them with their development."

Former Wales props Bevington and Aaron Jarvis, who has impressed on either side of the scrum in recent weeks, are out of contract this summer.

Leon Brown has enjoyed a superb start to the campaign in the 3 jersey and if he earns a Six Nations call-up then it will open the door for Lloyd Fairbrother, who has been a peripheral figure so far and was an unused replacement against both the Scarlets and Blues.x