RYNARD Landman believes Newport Gwent Dragons have snapped up a “natural leader” in scrum-half Sarel Pretorius who will bring the best out of their burgeoning backs.

The 30-year-old will head to Rodney Parade next season after his Super Rugby commitments with the Cheetahs as boasts a wealth of experience.

He has played for the Waratahs in Australia, took on the British and Irish Lions in 2009 for the Royal XV, represented the Emerging Springboks and came off the bench for the Barbarians in their thrilling encounter with Australia at Twickenham last autumn.

Dragons captain Landman believes his compatriot will bring the best out of a talented back line that contains Wales hopefuls Jack Dixon, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos and Tom Prydie.

“It’s a very exciting signing,” said the lock, who played alongside Pretorius at the Cheetahs and for the Royal XV.

“He is a natural leader, a good organiser, chats well and creates plenty of opportunities for those around him.

“He will be a great help for our young players and is someone who knows exactly what to do in pressure situations.

“Our backs can only learn off experienced players like him and I am sure he will play a big part in their development and improve us as a squad.”

Pretorius takes the Dragons' South African contingent up to three and director of rugby Lyn Jones will hope he follows the lead of Landman and tighthead Brok Harris, who have proved to be huge hits since heading north.