DRAGONS head coach Bernard Jackman has hailed the importance of the Welsh exiles programme after bolstering his squad with strong-running hooker Gerard Ellis.

The 24-year-old from Southampton joined the Rodney Parade region from London Irish this summer.

Ellis is a mobile hooker who was a back row forward when he came through the ranks at Irish before turning into a front-rower on his return to Reading from Llandovery College.

The forward qualifies for both England and Wales through his parents and Jackman is keen to tap into the pool of talent over the border.

“We’ve brought in Gerard Ellis who’s come through London Irish Academy and went to Llandovery college. He’s been really good since he’s come in and really adds to our strength in depth,” he said.

“It’s about maximising our playing pool," he continued. "We want the best players playing for Welsh regions and it’s something we’re definitely interesting in and open to exploring with Paul Turner and Kingsley Jones now involved, and both doing a great job.”

Camps have been held at Trent College in Nottingham, London Welsh and Cleve in Bristol as part of the exiles programme this week, attracting around 300 boys aged between 13 and 18.