Huw Taylor signs for RGC after Dragons exit

The 27-year-old has joined the Premiership club in a player/coach role, bolstering the pack while continuing to pass on his knowledge after guiding Usk to promotion last season.

Taylor was released by the Dragons at the end of last season after making 52 appearances since heading to Rodney Parade from Worcester in 2018.

The flanker/lock is relishing the chance to make more starts and reignite his career.

Huw Taylor on the charge for the Dragons (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I am excited for the new opportunity Ceri and RGC have given me,” said Taylor, who made eight appearances for the Dragons last season.

“To coach alongside playing will be a very different role than I am used too, but I am excited for a new challenge.

“I enjoyed coaching Ceri’s home side Usk RFC last season, alongside playing for Dragons.

“I have known and worked with Ceri since the age of 18, and I am looking forward to working alongside him again.

“I hope I can make a positive impact on the club, by firstly playing well in the RGC jersey but also help develop some of the young talent that is already here.”

Jones worked with Taylor at the Warriors and then the Dragons and believes he is a good fit on and off the field.

“He is a great addition for us and the right age profile,” said the former Newport prop.

“The fact he has been in that professional environment for 10 years can only be a positive for our young squad and they will benefit from that.

“He is hardworking, resilient and a good person to have within the set up.”

MOVE: Former Wales U20 and Dragons lock Joe Peard has signed for Jersey Reds

Meanwhile, former Dragons academy lock Joe Peard has signed for Jersey Reds.

The 21-year-old never made a senior appearance for the Rodney Parade club and moved to Cardiff on last summer.

He was released at the end of the season and will now head for the Channel Islands to play for the English Championship title winners.

The second row forward will try to fill the boots of Macauley Cook after the ex-Cardiff man retired from professional rugby and has signed for Pontypridd.

Peard is the son of former Newbridge lock Mike and his grandfather Les was an international referee before becoming an assessor.

“Joe has great potential," said Jersey director of rugby Harvey Biljon.

"He’ll be coming into a competitive area of our squad, but he has the chance to get established as a Reds player and to learn a great deal from the new environment and his new teammates.”