HIGHLY-RATED back row forward Ryan Woodman has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the Dragons until 2027.

The 20-year-old from Caldicot was already under contract for next season but has agreed fresh terms that add another two years onto his Rodney Parade deal.

Woodman, who is currently on the comeback trail from a hand injury that stopped him from captaining Wales in the Under-20s Six Nations, made his debut last season and showed signs of his progress in the current campaign.

The back rower, who has also played lock in age-grade rugby and for Newport in the Premiership, scored a try on his first start against Munster in November.

Woodman has made 10 appearances and was on the radar of senior Wales boss Warren Gatland ahead of the Six Nations.

The Dragons will keep drip-feeding appearances to the bright prospect while putting him on a conditioning plan to prepare him for the physical demands of being a back rower at professional level.

South Wales Argus: TALENT: Dragons forward Ryan WoodmanTALENT: Dragons forward Ryan Woodman (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“Ryan is an exceptional talent so news that he has signed a contract extension with us should be welcomed by everyone connected with Dragons RFC,” said head coach Dai Flanagan.

“It is our job to ensure that Ryan fulfils the huge potential he has. Having captained Wales at Under-20s level so impressively, there is clearly a level of expectation around Ryan.

“It is our job to ensure we work stringently to the plan in place for him to aid his development and growth in the long-term.

“Ryan undoubtedly has the temperament, talent, leadership skills and maturity to go to the very top and we’re excited that he will remain a Dragon and what the future holds for him.”

The Dragons have also agreed a one-year contract with hooker Sam Scarfe.

The 20-year-old made his debut in the URC defeat at Glasgow out of position in the back row, where he played in age-grade rugby before moving to the front row.

South Wales Argus: DEAL: Sam Scarfe has signed a one-year contract extension with the DragonsDEAL: Sam Scarfe has signed a one-year contract extension with the Dragons (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

The former Wales Under-20s international has been impressing for Pontypool in recent seasons, helping them win promotion to the Premiership and then push for the play-offs in the current campaign.

Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “Sam is a young Penallta product who has impressed everyone with his attitude and determination.

“He is another young player learning their trade at Pontypool and when he represented us up at Glasgow, operating in the back row, he showed he can play at this level.

“Sam plays in a similar vein to [fellow hooker] Brodie Coghlan with his combative nature, and his work rate and desire to improve are what is required.

“He’s a young Gwent man who desperately wants to represent our club and do well, so we look forward to working with him going forward.”

The deals bring the Dragons’ ‘next generation’ week of announcements to an end after contracts for centres Harri Ackerman and Joe Westwood, scrum-halves Che Hope and Morgan Lloyd and wingers Oli Andrew and Ewan Rosser.

News surrounding senior figures is likely to follow in the coming weeks with the future of Wales back row forward Taine Basham the most-anticipated announcement.