WING Jared Rosser will aim to keep climbing the Dragons’ try chart next season after signing a new deal at Rodney Parade.
The 24-year-old from Abersychan faced an uncertain future in the run-in of the United Rugby Championship ahead of his contract expiring this summer.
However, Rosser has agreed fresh terms and will look to continue his impressive strike rate with the Dragons in 2022/23.
The Wales Sevens international crossed five times in 11 games last season to take his tally to 25 in 65 fixtures since his 2017 debut.
“I’m really proud to have extended my stay with my region,” said Rosser. “I truly love turning up to work with a great bunch of boys I’ve grown so close to over the years.
“I’m now looking forward to the challenge that next season brings and hopefully I can bring something to the party.”
The speedster is fifth on the Dragons’ all-time try list, level with Kevin Morgan and four behind Gareth Wyatt.
Aled Brew is top of the pile on 43, followed by Hallam Amos (36) and Ashton Hewitt (33) but Rosser has the best strike rate of those six top finishers with a try every 2.6 games.
Only Ealing-bound Wales winger Jonah Holmes, who scored 14 times in 31 fixtures over two seasons, can top that record.
Rosser is one of only seven players to have scored a hat-trick for the Dragons after crossing three times against Zebre in 2018.
He has previously been trialled at outside centre but the balance of the squad means he is likely to stick as a winger.
Talisman Hewitt is fit again after missing all of last season with a knee injury while Rio Dyer enjoyed a breakthrough campaign.
Centre Sio Tomkinson can fill in out wide while Jordan Williams, Ioan Davies and David Richards are all primarily full-backs.
Rosser’s younger brother Ewan and Wales Under-20s winger Oli Andrew are coming through the academy.
Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “We’re pleased that Jared becomes the latest talented homegrown player to remain at his region.
“Jared brings a real attacking strike threat to our game and is eager to keep developing and bring even more to his game as we move forward.”
The Dragons' list of leavers didn't feature lock/flanker Huw Taylor, Rosser or loosehead prop Aki Seiuli.
Taylor and Rosser have signed new contracts and a deal is close for the Samoa prop, who is set to battle summer signings Rob Evans and Rhodri Jones plus Josh Reynolds for the 1 jersey.
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