ANGUS O’Brien believes he is coming back to the Dragons as a better player after his return from the Scarlets was confirmed.
The 27-year-old from Caerleon is the region’s eighth signing for next season, heading to Rodney Parade for at least the next two seasons.
The fly-half/full-back came through the Dragons academy and made 70 appearances before being released in 2018 and earning a deal with the Scarlets.
His time out west was hit by a serious knee injury early on but he has gone on to make 41 outings and scored two tries in the derby win in Newport last month.
“I’ve loved my four seasons at Scarlets, it’s been a great experience for me and I’ve a learnt a lot that I’ll be able to bring back with me to the Dragons,” said O’Brien.
“I came through the academy system at Dragons, grew up with a lot of the players, so to be re-joining those boys and working with them again is an exciting prospect.
“Dragons have moved forward since I have left, and the recruitment has been strong ahead of next season. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
The former Wales Under-20s international was on the books of Southampton FC as a youngster before turning to rugby.
He made his Dragons debut in September, 2014 and enjoyed his finest moment when expertly pulling the strings in the European Challenge Cup victory at Stade Francais the following month, that after a late call-up because Jason Tovey suffered a passport mishap.
O’Brien, who played for Wales Sevens at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, is set to replace Josh Lewis in the squad.
He will battle Sam Davies and JJ Hanrahan for the 10 jersey and Jordan Williams, Ioan Davies and David Richards for the 15 spot.
Director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “Angus is very keen to return to his home region and we’re excited to see the impact he can make with us.
“He returns with a wealth of experience and will give us a different way of playing the game.
“Angus is a talented and versatile player who will really add to the competition we have for the fly half and full back jersey.”
O’Brien is one of three brothers to have played fly-half for Newport with Matt, a Dragons academy coach, currently the Black and Ambers’ captain while Loui played for the club on permit from Caerleon in 2018.
The Dragons have signed Ospreys loosehead Rhodri Jones, Ulster hooker Bradley Roberts, locks Sean Lonsdale and George Nott from Exeter and London Irish respectively, Clermont fly-half Hanrahan, Bath centre Max Clark and Highlanders back Sio Tomkinson.
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