ARGENTINA international Gonzalo Bertranou intends to fire up his World Cup bid by shining for the Dragons after signing a new contract at Rodney Parade.

The 28-year-old will stay in Newport to try and earn a spot in the Pumas squad for France 2023 after agreeing fresh terms.

Bertranou will be with the Dragons beyond next year's World Cup after signing the deal to battle with Rhodri Williams and Lewis Jones for the 9 jersey.

The livewire Argentinean has impressed since joining from the Jaguares in February, 2021. He has made 23 appearances for Dean Ryan's side, 18 of them as a starter.

Bertranou, who played in the 2019 World Cup, has also taken his tally of caps to 36 and believes the Dragons are the perfect fit.

South Wales Argus: Dragons scrum-half Gonzalo BertranouDragons scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou

"I am really happy to re-sign," said the scrum-half, whose father Miguel won 14 caps in the Argentina pack between 1988 and 1993.

"There is a point in the life as professional player when you must decide on your future, what direction you take, and now it is for me to be a Dragon.

"I want to achieve with this squad and leave a legacy at a club that is not in my home country.

"There are very good people at the club who have made me feel welcome from the first day I arrived here. To stay here is right.

"I have always had the support I need to train and prepare to be the best I can be for Dragons and Argentina.

"This decision is about achieving something great. People talk about results this season, but this is about the future, leaving a legacy and being a part of change in another part of the world."

The Dragons now have three experienced scrum-halves to pick from with boss Ryan aiming to profit from the competition for the starting spot.

"Gonzalo enables us to play a fast game and has clearly enjoyed being a Dragon over the last two seasons and testing himself in a new competition and environment," said Ryan.

"He has big ambitions over the next 12 months, for both Dragons and his country, and we will look forward to seeing the impact he can make with both."

Bertranou has won nine caps since moving to the Dragons, battling with Western Force's Tomas Cubelli for the start.

Argentina have been drawn against England, Japan and Samoa for the World Cup group stages.