DRAGONS boss Dean Ryan believes there is more to come from Jordan Williams after the side-stepping full-back signed a new two-year deal.

The 28-year-old, who arrived from Bristol in 2018, has agreed a contract that the Argus understands will see him extend his career at Rodney Parade for at least two more seasons.

Williams made a huge impression in his first campaign in Newport after making 26 appearances but in November 2019 he ruptured knee ligaments against Enisei-STM in Russia.

He returned in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat against Bristol 10 months later but has struggled to strong together a consistent run of games since then.

Including that Bears game, Williams has totted up 17 appearances in two seasons.

The Dragons have badly missed his game-breaking abilities, especially in the absence of wing Ashton Hewitt who is nearing a return from his own serious knee injury.

The hope is that Williams, who toured South Africa with Wales in 2014, will enjoy a strong United Rugby Championship run-in before hitting the ground running in 2022/23.

“Everyone is aware of his threat in broken field,” said Ryan. “It has been quite a mixed year for him in terms of injury and we are trying to get him back into a little bit more regular rugby.

“Our challenge is to increase the depth we've got and Jordan is crucial to that by pushing on and raising the levels.

“This year has been in, out, in, out for him but we are looking forward to seeing the Jordan of the future because if gets a good finish to this year and a good pre-season, he will come into next year in much better shape.

South Wales Argus: DEAL: Jordan Williams scored against the Scarlets last weekendDEAL: Jordan Williams scored against the Scarlets last weekend

"There is a lot more to come from him. Jordan can get much better and we will keep challenging him about being more consistent.

“It’s about him not relying on big moments to dictate the quality of his games. He is engaged in that and looked at ways he can be more consistent week in, week out.”

The Dragons have Ioan Davies under contract for next season and David Richards is coming through the ranks, while Angus O’Brien is poised to return from the Scarlets as an option at fly-half and full-back.

“It’s been a frustrating season at times for me due to injury, but I’m now looking forward to finishing this campaign strongly and taking that momentum into next year," said Williams.