Newport Gwent Dragons have received a further boost today with the announcement of three new players joining the squad for the 2006/07 season.
Enhancing the strength of the squad are Paul Emerick, Mike Hercus and Lee Harrison.
26-year old Paul Emerick is a highly regarded outside centre and joins from Overmach Rugby Parma. Born in the USA he has been capped 19 times for his country and joins on a two-year contract after playing so effectively in the Heineken Cup play off game earlier this month.
Mike Hercus (27) has signed a two-year contract and joins from the Scarlets. Hercus is a talented fly-half who is not unfamiliar with the Celtic League having played in the competition this season and helped the Scarlets secure their place in last season’s Powergen Cup final.
Emerick and Hercus are more than familiar with one another having formed an effective playing partnership for the USA Eagles. They are currently in America with the national team who have just finished playing in the Barclay’s Churchill Cup and are now involved in forthcoming games for the USA in July and August.
Tight head prop Lee Harrison (28) completes the signings for The Dragons and joins from Glasgow. Harrison has considerable experience in Europe and links up with former team mate Andrew Hall.
Speaking on the new signings Head Coach Paul Turner commented, “We have signed three players who will bring strength to our squad will prove excellent acquisitions. We are delighted to have secured the services of these players and it will increase competition for places. They are all skilful and will be effective players in our squad in the challenges of Celtic League, European Challenge Cup and Anglo Welsh Cup competitions.”
Further news from The Dragons, fullback Leigh Hinton has left the region by mutual agreement.
Biogs
Paul Emerick
Position – Outside Centre
DOB – 24/1/80
Height – 180cm
Weight – 92kg
Honours – USA Eagles
Lee Harrison
Position – Tight head Prop
DOB – 10/12/77
Height – 188cm
Weight – 124kg
Mike Hercus
Position – Fly Half
DOB – 5/6/79
Height – 179cm
Weight – 81kg
Honours – USA Eagles
