Newport Gwent Dragons are pleased to announce that lock Ian Gough and centre Nathan Brew have both signed new contracts that will see them remain with the region. The Dragons are also pleased to announce the signing of Llanelli Scarlets lock Bryn Griffiths.
Gough started his career with Newport Youth in 1994 and first played for the senior side in 1996. After a brief spell with Pontypridd he rejoined Newport in 2000 and has been with The Dragons since the formation of the region two years ago. Gough has enjoyed impressive form of late, which has seen him enjoy a recall to the Welsh national squad where he appeared as a substitute in Wales’ win over Italy. Gough has put in some outstanding displays this season particularly in The Dragons Heineken Cup matches and is delighted to be staying with the region and be a part of The Dragons ambitions.
“I am enjoying my rugby with The Dragons and am delighted to sign a new contract with the region. There is tremendous team spirit, the team are keen to achieve and perform in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup and I want to be a part of the team’s ambitions and play a role in helping the team achieve and challenge for silverware. The Dragons are a great side to be involved with and the management staff and players have created a competitive environment where a player has to be on top of their game if they are to make the starting XV. For the remainder of the season we want to finish in as high a position as possible in the league to ensure we have favourable Heineken Cup seeding and ensure we have a home draw in the Celtic Cup.”
Nathan Brew joined Newport as a youngster and has seen his career flourish, which led to him landing a Wales cap in 2003 and he toured Argentina and South Africa with the senior squad last summer. “It was an easy decision to pledge my future with The Dragons,” commented Nathan. “I am thoroughly enjoying being a part of the region. I have played at Rodney Parade for a number of seasons firstly with the Newport U21s, Newport senior side and more recently The Dragons. I have enjoyed being a part of those teams and now the region. I believe the team is capable of achieving silverware and I want to be a part of a side who are ambitious. This is reflected in key players pledging their future and the signing of emerging talent. There is a good mix of young players in the squad with experienced players and next season is set to be a very exciting one for the region and I am glad to be a part of that.”
The new face at The Dragons next year will be the 6’5’’ lock Bryn Griffiths who at 23 years of age has an exciting future ahead of him. He is a young and up and coming player who has featured for the Scarlets this season. He commented, “I am excited about joining The Dragons and being a part of the fantastic squad at the region. The set up is excellent and I am looking forward to being a part of the team, developing my rugby and challenging for a place in the starting line up.”
“Naturally we are delighted that Ian and Nathan have signed new contracts with the region and welcome Bryn to The Dragons” commented Chief Executive Andy Marinos. “Ian has been playing some impressive rugby this season and has been rewarded with a call up to the national squad. He is a favourite with the supporters at Rodney Parade and we are delighted he has pledged his future with us. Nathan Brew has also been playing some outstanding rugby and is developing into a powerful back. Bryn Griffiths is a young, up and coming player and will be crucial in our plans to becoming not only the top region in Wales but a top side in Europe. The signings represent the ambitions of the region and all are quality players who will make an invaluable contribution to The Dragons.”
