Baldwin back as Dragons extend loan from Worcester

The 29-year-old headed to Rodney Parade last summer and made eight appearances for the region, battling captain Rhodri Williams and former Wales international Tavis Knoyle for the 9 jersey.

Baldwin struck a telling blow against his parent club when he crossed for a late breakaway try in the European Challenge Cup clash at Sixways, a score that earned the 14-man Dragons a consolation bonus and ultimately helped them edge out the Warriors for a place in the quarter-finals.

The Englishman will now spend a second campaign with Dean Ryan's men, effectively ending his Worcester career ahead of his contract expiring next summer.

"I'm delighted to be at Dragons for another season," said Baldwin, who previously played for Saracens and Bristol.

"It has been enlightening to be part of such a challenging, elite and professional set-up.

"Dean and the coaching staff understand how to get the best from the playing group, which I believe is fundamental in building a successful culture. I'm looking forward to enjoying another year with the boys."

Baldwin will start the campaign third in the pecking order but the ebullient scrum-half will look to both push Williams and Knoyle, who are both under contract until 2022, and assist the next generation, which is headed by 20-year-old Dan Babos.

Director of rugby Ryan said: "Luke has made a big impression in his time with us, both on and off the field, and we're pleased to now extend his stay.

"He is a talented scrum half who adds competition and depth to our senior squad, alongside the likes of Rhodri Williams and Tavis Knoyle.

"Luke's experience is also beneficial for the scrum-halves in our academy as we look to develop young Welsh talent at the region."

Baldwin said ahead of last season's clash with Worcester that the Dragons had helped him to enjoy his rugby again.

He joined the Warriors from Bristol in 2015 but after making 34 appearances was frozen out in 2018/19 under Alan Solomons, playing under an hour of rugby in two outings.

That led him to jump at the chance for a reunion with his old Worcester boss Ryan at Rodney Parade.

"I got a call from Dean and he had spoken to my agent about the fact I wasn't playing an awful lot at Worcester," he said.

"He broached the possibility of me coming down here and they allowed me to come, it's brilliant because I worked with Dean and (defence coach) Simon Cross at Worcester.

"I love coming to work at the Dragons, it's a fresh new environment for me and everyone has made me feel so welcome. I am in a great state of mind and I am really enjoying myself."

"It sounds cliched but this was just about enjoying my rugby again after a difficult 12 months for various reasons."