NEWPORT Gwent Drag-ons rugby manager Robert Beale believes the decision of four of their best young players to re-sign is a boost for the development of the team.

Full back Martyn Thomas, wing Aled Brew, centre Tom Riley and scrum half Wayne Evans all agreed new deals earlier this week which will keep them with the Dragons for another two years after the end of this season.

“We are delighted to have retained the services of all four players. It forms a key part of our ongoing development policy and these four players have been provided with opportunities and have readily made the most of them,” said Beale.

“I’m delighted that Wayne has signed this two-year extension. He has proved over and over again his value to the region and this contract is a well earned reward for his hard work. We are looking forward to him getting back on the pitch to continue his career development.

“Martyn Thomas is an exciting young talent and this contract shows that we have faith in him to fulfil his potential with the region and become a regular member of the regional side.

“And I’m really pleased to have reached agreement with Aled. He is one of the more consistent players this season and his return to the Dragons has kick started his career again, allowing him to show some quality form.

“Aled knows what he needs to work on but he is one of a few players who have the dynamism and energy to change a game in our favour and we are pleased to have secured him at Rodney Parade.

“I am genuinly thrilled for Tom Riley. Having worked alongside him seven years ago when he was an under-18 player, I am well aware of his abilities.

“He was presented with an opportunity at the start of the season which he has grasped with both hands and he very much deserves this contract, not only for his playing abilities but also for his work ethic and professional attitude on and off the pitch, which are outstanding.”

Evans has been a revelation this season until he recently picked up a knee injury, keeping him out of the last three games.

“I’m really pleased to be staying on, I’ve been very happy here and I feel we’re moving forward,” he said. “I know we had a few tough results over the Christmas period but we know what we need to do and are ready to put in the hard work to get back on track for the rest of the season.

“With the planned new training facilities and the team spirit here the Dragons are moving forward and I want to be a part of that.”

Motorpoint are delighted to have extended their sponsorship of the Dragons for another two years.

“We are thrilled to be extending our partnership with the Newport Gwent Dragons for another two years,” said Motorpoint Newport’s general manager Russell Louth.

“The response from club supporters since we became shirt sponsors has been nothing short of phenomenal, helping to drive sales up by over 20% in the past year alone, and we look forward to continuing to play our part in helping the Dragons become the premier regional team in South Wales.”

There is no new date set yet for the Dragons’ game against Connacht in Galway which was scheduled for tonight but postponed because of ground conditions there and the difficulty of getting players from Wales to Gatwick for the flight because of the bad weather.

Attention will switch to the Heineken Cup next week when the Dragons meet Glasgow at Firhill on Friday night, kick off 7.30pm. The referee will be Peter Fitzgibbon of Ireland.

Frenchman Christophe Berdos will be in charge of the Dragons’ final pool game against Gloucester at Rodney Parade on Sunday, January 24, kick off 12.45pm.