Experienced scrum half Tavis Knoyle has today become the latest player to commit his future to the Dragons.
Knoyle has joined Ashton Hewitt, Adam Warren, Matthew Screech and Lewis Evans in signing a new deal and will now remain at Rodney Parade until at least 2020.
The 28-year-old joined Dragons in 2016 and made his debut for the region against Enisei-STM in the European Challenge Cup.
Knoyle has previously played for Gloucester Rugby as well as Ospreys, Scarlets and Cardiff Blues – becoming only the third player to play for all four professional Welsh regions when he joined the Men of Gwent.
Former Wales international ace Knoyle missed most of the 2017/18 season through injury, but has returned in eye-catching fashion this term to make 18 appearances in all competitions.
Head Coach Ceri Jones said: “It’s great to see Tavis back from a frustrating injury period and returning to his high standards. We know that, at his best, he can compete with any nine in Wales.
“Tavis is massively passionate about this region and one of our leaders going forward. His enthusiasm for the game and determination to improve is as strong as ever.
“He has relished the competition for the jersey this season and is very good at working with the young scrum halves in our set-up, passing on his knowledge and experience. It’s fantastic that he remains with us.”
Glynneath product Knoyle was part of the Wales squad to tour New Zealand in 2010, making his debut against New Zealand in Dunedin as a second-half replacement.
He was named in the Six Nations squad in 2011, winning his second cap in the clash with Scotland, and later appearing in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He has made a total of 11 appearances for Wales.
Knoyle said: “I’m delighted to sign and excited about the future at Dragons and the role that I can play.
“I do consider myself fortunate to be playing at the highest level after a rough couple of years with injury. However, over the last season I’ve played the most I have in six years and that’s a huge boost as I look to make a real impact here.
“The conditioning staff and physios, in particular Ben Stirling our Head of Medical, have had a massive impact on me and I’m indebted to them for their work and support.
“Injuries are a part of sport that you have to deal with, but they also mean that you strive to take every opportunity you are given and appreciate being part of an environment with big ambitions for the future.
“It’s all about looking forward and the future for me now. We’re all pulling in the same direction here to turn the tide at Dragons and I’m really pleased that I can be a part of that journey.”
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Tavis is massively passionate about this region and one of our leaders going forward. His enthusiasm for the game and determination to improve is as strong as ever...
