Newport Gwent Dragons are delighted to announce the signing of two new forwards to the squad for the forthcoming season.
Flanker Richard Parks joins the Men of Gwent from French side Perpignan coming back to Rodney Parade after a number of years away. Parks adds strength in depth to The Dragons back row which already boasts players such as Nic Fitisemanu, Joe Bearman, Colin Charvis, Michael Owen and Jamie Ringer along with the emerging talented youngsters of Dan Lydiate, James Harris and Lewis Evans. Parks has started pre season training already with the team and is the third Welsh player The Dragons have brought back to Wales this season.
Also joining the region is South African Alistair Lyon who plays loose head prop. He spent a season in France last year with Racing Club Chalonais before that he played for Border Bulldogs in South Africa for three years. Alistair has British ancestry and will link up with The Dragons once his visa is confirmed. He will challenge for the number one shirt with Adam Black and Hugh Gustafson.
Speaking on the announcement of the two signings Head Coach Paul Turner said, "We tracked Richard 15 months ago and tried to get him from Leeds but it wasn't to be but better late than never! I have always regarded Richard as a very good player and he is highly rated in Wales and had a couple of great seasons in Leeds which culminated in them clinching the Powergen Cup. He is a local lad and it was always my intention to bring local players back to the region.
"Alistair comes highly recommended and we have had him watched. He adds to our prop strength which is much needed for the competitions we play in. It will be good for Adam Black to have stiff competition from Alistair and from the youngster Hugh Gustafson."
