NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have captured Wales international scrum-half Tavis Knoyle following his release by Cardiff Blues.

The 26-year-old, who has won 11 Wales caps, joins the Rodney Parade region after the recent departure of Luc Jones.

Dragons’ head coach Kingsley Jones has long been an admirer of Knoyle, who is approaching 100 regional games in addition to his experience in the Aviva Premiership with Gloucester.

He said: “Having quality players vying for places in all positions is vital for our development.

“Tavis has a skill set that will complement the strengths of both Charlie Davies and Sarel Pretorius, and he is someone who will certainly make selection for the scrum-half slot even more competitive."

Knoyle added: “I am delighted to be joining the Dragons and am excited by the obvious potential in the region.

“I am also looking forward to working hard, contributing to the ongoing development of the squad and challenging for a place in the starting XV.”