THE Dragons have made a sensational late move to strengthen their front row for next season by signing Wales prop Rob Evans.

It was announced at the start of the week that the loosehead will leave the Scarlets this summer after making 156 appearances since 2011.

The Dragons have already signed Rhodri Jones from the Ospreys – a move that was a long time in the making – and now they have added another international option for the 1 jersey.

The 30-year-old from Pembrokeshire came onto the market late but the Rodney Parade region had left room in their budget for another loosehead and have added the Scarlets man to their roster.

Evans has fallen down the Wales pecking order after being hindered by injury in recent seasons but is relishing a fresh start in the east.

South Wales Argus: MOVE: The Dragons have signed Rob Evans from the ScarletsMOVE: The Dragons have signed Rob Evans from the Scarlets

“I’m happy to be joining and excited to get going next year,” said the 39-times capped prop, a key figure in the 2019 Grand Slam side.

“It feels like the right time for a change and, with the other signings and what Dean wants to build here, it will be brilliant and I’m looking forward to it.

“I love playing at Rodney Parade and the fans are really loud and intimidating. I’m looking forward to being a part of it and having them on my side.”

Evans was a key member of the side that won the Pro12 in 2017 and his exploits made him an influential figure for Wales until injury misfortune.

He has played 11 games this season and scored his fourth try of the campaign in the win against the Dragons at Rodney Parade last month.

With Lions loosehead Wyn Jones at the Scarlets, the prop will make the move east to battle with Rhodri Jones for the 1 jersey.

South Wales Argus: Wales prop Rob Evans is moving to the DragonsWales prop Rob Evans is moving to the Dragons

Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming a player of Rob’s calibre to Dragons and excited about the impact he can make with us.

“Rob is highly driven and motivated to help us move forward as a squad. He also still has big international ambitions with Wales that he wants to achieve as a Dragon.”

Greg Bateman and Aki Seiuli are both out of contract this summer with their futures set to be revealed in the coming days.

Josh Reynolds, 23, is signed up for next season along with Rhodri Jones and Evans.

Evans is the Dragons' ninth signing for next season, following Jones, Ulster hooker Bradley Roberts, locks Sean Lonsdale and George Nott from Exeter and London Irish, Clermont fly-half JJ Hanrahan, Bath centre Max Clark, Highlanders outside back Sio Tomkinson and Scarlets fly-half/full-back Angus O'Brien.