THE Dragons have signed Jason Tovey on a deal until the end of the season and he is set to start at 10 in the European Challenge Cup clash with Timisoara Saracens on Friday.

The 29-year-old was brought in on permit from Cross Keys, who he joined from Edinburgh last summer, in the autumn after the Rodney Parade region were thin on the ground for fly-halves because of injury.

Tovey, the Dragons' record points scorer, started four Guinness PRO14 games but was not eligible for Europe as players need to be on at least a three-month contract so he went back to the Pandy Park side for game time in the Principality Premiership.

He returned to come off the bench in the festive derbies, slotting the match-winning kick in the thrilling win against the Ospreys at Rodney Parade.

The playmaker has now penned a permanent deal until the end of the campaign and has been registered in the European squad for Friday’s encounter with the Romanian minnows.

“I’m pleased to get a deal and to secure my future at Dragons until the end of the season to help us move forward,” said Tovey.

“I’ve enjoyed being back in the set-up and I am excited about what we can achieve in the coming months.”

Tovey is likely start at fly-half with former Wales international Gavin Henson backing him up from the bench while Josh Lewis, who has started the last five games, is rested.

Interim head coach Ceri Jones said: “Jason has been absolutely fantastic since he has come back into the set-up and so we’re pleased we can now work with him the rest of this season.

“Jason not only adds more competition at fly half but also brings vast experience to help the younger players at the region develop.

“He has achieved a huge amount already during his time with Dragons and know he is keen to kick on once again in the coming months and help us develop as a squad.”

Fly-half Arwel Robson, 21, is unlikely to play again this season because of a hamstring tear while Jacob Botica, a summer signing from RGC 1404, is yet to make his professional debut.