DRAGONS stalwart Brok Harris will play a seventh season at Rodney Parade after signing a one-year contract extension.

The 35-year-old South African has been a firm fixture in the region's front row since heading to Newport fresh from winning the Currie Cup with Western Province in November 2014.

Harries, who played Super Rugby for the Stormers, has racked up 122 appearances and proved his value last season when on short-term deals.

He agreed a sixth-month contract in the summer and signed an extension through to the end of the campaign in December.

Harris won't endure the same uncertainty when rugby returns from the coronavirus shutdown – this time he has been given a season-long deal.

South Wales Argus:

"I'm really pleased to re-sign and continue my journey with the Dragons," said Harris. "The region has become a true home for me and my family over the last six seasons.

"As a squad we have made positive steps forward this season and I've enjoyed being part of an environment where we work hard, are challenged to learn and push towards the same goals.

"My thanks also go out to our fantastic fans for their continued support and I'm looking forward to running back out again at Rodney Parade soon."

The prop switched from being primarily a tighthead to being primarily a loosehead after the emergence of Wales international Leon Brown and proved his value to Dean Ryan in the director of rugby's first campaign at the helm.

Ryan Bevington made a solitary appearance because of a knee injury against Munster on opening weekend and Jack Cosgrove retired after a serious eye injury suffered in training.

Harris started every PRO14 game until he suffered a season-ending chest injury at Glasgow in February and will return to battle with fellow veteran Aaron Jarvis and promising prospect Josh Reynolds for the 1 jersey in 2020/21.

South Wales Argus:

"Brok is a key member of our group and a senior player who leads by example and is a role model for our younger players," said Ryan.

"He works incredibly hard in the environment and is passionate about our region and helping the group improve."

The Dragons have been busy with retention and have also lined up a handful of new recruits, although no official announcements are imminent.

Wales centre Nick Tompkins is likely to arrive on a season-long loan from Saracens and will be joined by his Test teammate Jonah Holmes after the wing/full-back was released from the last year of a contract with Leicester.

Talks have been held with Joe Tomane, who is earmarked to play inside centre despite playing all his Test rugby for Australia on the wing.

He is out of contract with Leinster this summer and is interested in a move to the Dragons, although he has not yet signed.