FORMER Dragons lock Ed Scragg has signed for London Irish in the English Premiership.

The 22-year-old was released by the Rodney Parade club last summer without making a senior appearance.

The 6ft 7ins forward joined Cornish Pirates and made an impression for the Championship side to earn a move to England's top flight.

Scragg is from Westbury near Bath but played for Wales Under-20s in the Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship after qualifying through his mother's side of the family from Neath.

He came through the Welsh Exiles programme and caught the eye of the Dragons, joining them while studying sports management at Cardiff Met.

Now he is set to make the step up to the Premiership with Irish, who finished eighth last season and will play in next season's Champions Cup.

"Ed is a young talent, and we are confident that he will develop his skills here at London Irish. We are looking forward to seeing what he can add to the squad," said director of rugby Declan Kidney.