THE Dragons have signed Welsh-qualified Worcester forward Huw Taylor on a two-year deal, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 21-year-old lock/back row from Shropshire will head to Rodney Parade from Sixways next season.

Taylor has made 24 appearances for the Warriors since coming through the academy, coming off the bench twice against the Dragons in last season’s European Challenge Cup, and penned his first contract last May.

He has played age-grade rugby for England – including being part of the side that won the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2016 – but is still eligible to play for Wales through a grandparent.

That made his attractive to the Dragons, who are targeting Welsh exiles, and head coach Bernard Jackman has made him his sixth signing for next season.

“I am very excited to be joining the Dragons at this time,” said Taylor. “They have a youthful team there with great potential to develop, and I am looking forward to being an integral part of that change.

“It appears to be an up and coming environment and I am excited to get stuck in next season.”

Taylor is primarily a blindside flanker but Jackman believes the forward’s ability to shift into the second row will make him useful in a small squad.

“He is a valuable addition to our squad because of his versatility in that he can play lock or back row and is an excellent lineout forward,” said Jackman.

“He has strong leadership credentials despite his young age and we look forward to helping him realise his undoubted potential with us over the next two seasons.”

Taylor joins Gloucester back row Ross Moriarty and hooker Richard Hibbard, Bristol scrum-half Rhodri Williams and utility back Jordan Williams and Rotherham scrum-half Rhodri Davies in signing for next season.

Centres Jarryd Sage and Calvin Wellington have already arrived this season from Southern Kings and St Helens respectively.