Centre Jack Dixon signs new Dragons contract

The 26-year-old from Newbridge has signed a fresh deal that the Argus understands is for at least another two seasons.

That will see him continue his tussle for the 12 and 13 jerseys with former Wales and Lions powerhouse Jamie Roberts and bright prospect Aneurin Owen.

The battle for a starts between the trio and Nick Tompkins, who has since returned to Saracens after a loan spell, has been a theme of the season.

Dixon has made 14 appearances, nine of them starts, but missed out on selection for the European Challenge Cup knockout clash with Northampton.

The Dragons are also in talks with centre Adam Warren over a contract extension with Dixon relishing the competition.

“I’m delighted to re-sign at my home region and excited about what is ahead of us as a squad,” said the strong-running, hard-tackling back.

“As a local boy, who always supported Dragons when I was growing up, I’m determined to play a big role in helping the team continue to move forward.

“We have a tight group of boys here, many of which I have grown-up with, who all enjoy playing together and pushing each other to get better.

“I’m relishing that competition here and the determination we all share to really kick on in the coming years at Dragons.”

Dixon has racked up 138 appearances over 10 campaigns with the Dragons, a figure that puts him 14th on the all-time list.

He became the youngest player to make a regional appearance when he made his debut as a 16-year-old against Wasps in October 2011, coming off the bench to beat the record set by starter Hallam Amos in the same game.

Dixon was previously a Wales contender and was selected by Warren Gatland in his training squad ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

It was on his return to the Dragons after missing the cut that he suffered a career-threatening kidney injury – the equivalent of a car crash with a grade four tear – in a collision during the pre-season friendly with the Scarlets.

Dixon recovered and has gone on to become a Rodney Parade stalwart despite still only being 26, a contender to follow Lewis Evans in becoming a double centurion.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “We’re really pleased Jack has become the latest of our homegrown players to commit his future.

“Jack has become a senior figure for us who is proud to be a Dragon and totally committed to playing his part in helping us achieve our long-term aspirations.”

Dixon follows Wales internationals Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Aaron Wainwright, Ollie Griffiths, Sam Davies, Roberts and Richard Hibbard in signing new terms.

Harri Keddie, Ashton Hewitt and bright prospects Owen and Ben Carter have also agreed contract extensions with the sole high-profile departure likely to be Matthew Screech, who is set to return to Cardiff.