WALES back row forward Ross Moriarty is back to his destructive best and showing why the Dragons worked so hard to sign him, says head coach Bernard Jackman.

The 24-year-old number eight will arrive at Rodney Parade next season from Gloucester after Jackman decided to make him his prime target in a busy recruitment drive.

Moriarty will head to the Dragons on a two-year deal after a frustrating season at Kingsholm that was ravaged by a back injury suffered in the first game of the Lions tour last summer.

He played just five times for the Cherry and Whites, finding opportunities hard to come by once his move had been confirmed.

But any fears about his fitness and the back issue have been allayed by a pair of strong displays against South Africa and Argentina.

Against the Springboks he carried strongly while against the Pumas in San Juan last weekend he led a sterling defensive effort with a whopping 26 tackles, his Test high in 22 caps.

Moriarty failed to hit his high standards at the Six Nations, when he started against Scotland, England and Ireland but missed out against Italy and France.

Jackman is pleased to see his marquee signing back to hitting hard both in defence and attack.

"There was a genuine reason why he was a little bit off," said the Irishman. "There was the injury and not having a pre-season, then leaving his club wasn't as straightforward as normal, then he played in the Six Nations without any game time.

"Now we see him after a 'pre-season' at the end of the season with Gloucester and he has played two 80 minutes, showing exactly the type of player we signed. That was good to see.

"Ross gives you unbelievable abrasiveness on both sides of the ball. Players like that are hard to get and if you can't win collisions then this game is hard, and he wins them in defence and attack.

"It's great for us as a group to have someone like that who we would like to think will go to the World Cup and play a big role."

Moriarty was joined in the back row for the win against the Pumas by Aaron Wainwright, who will soon be his teammate in the Dragons' pack.

The 20-year-old from Bassaleg, who never represented Wales at age-grade level, won his first cap in Argentina just eight months after his professional debut.

"It's brilliant for Aaron and shows that there has to be some kind of pathway for those late developers," said Jackman.

"Those that miss out on Wales Under-20s and feels that their chance has gone, it's not. Aaron has gone from Cardiff Met to here and is now capped for Wales in their most competitive area.

"After what Aaron did over the course of our season, he has deserved this. He has been outstanding and what a way to finish his first season of pro rugby.

"He is a straightforward guy, so honest and such a good athlete. It's been good to see him, Elliot Dee, Cory Hill, Hallam Amos and Ross play so well – it's one thing being capped but another to make the most of those minutes."