THE Dragons secured deals with two of Welsh rugby’s brightest prospects – lock Ben Carter and centre Aneurin Owen.

The region have described the contracts as “long-term” and the Argus understands they exceed the standard two years.

The Dragons have also agreed fresh terms with 22-year-old tighthead Chris Coleman, who has made 11 senior appearances, and 19-year-old fly-half Will Reed, who is yet to make his professional debut.

However, it is the deals with Carter and Owen that are the most exciting after the way that they have taken to life in Dean Ryan’s side.

Lock Carter made his debut against Munster in November and made his first start against Glasgow the following month.

South Wales Argus:

The 20-year-old from Caldicot has made a huge impression with his work rate and accuracy on the field plus diligence and appetite for learning off it.

The same applies for Owen, who was a key figure for Wales Under-20s for two seasons and has now made his breakthrough for the Dragons.

The ball-playing centre made his debut off the bench at Bordeaux-Begles in the Champions Cup and, after further cameos against the Scarlets and Connacht, made his first start against Leinster last Friday.

The 20-year-old from Newport has earned the praise of former Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts for both his talent and thirst for knowledge.

With Coleman continuing to progress from working alongside experienced front-rowers and Reed set for U20 Six Nations action in the summer, director of rugby Ryan is pleased that the Dragons are building for the future.

He said: “We are pleased that four of our brightest home-grown talents are staying with us in the long-term.

“We look forward to all four players continuing to develop in our environment over the coming years.”

Tighthead Coleman, from Garndiffaith, has made 11 appearances since making his debut at Judgement Day and is currently being preferred to former Wales prop Aaron Jarvis as Lloyd Fairbrother’s back-up.

Reed has showed his promise in regional age-grade rugby and got a taste of the step up to senior level when he pulled the strings against an experienced Scarlets side in an A game in September.