STRONG-RUNNING number eight Ed Jackson has turned down interest from England to sign a fresh contract with Newport Gwent Dragons.

The 27-year-old back row forward has made a huge impression since arriving from Wasps in the summer of 2015 and has penned a new deal that will keep him at Rodney Parade until at least 2019.

Jackson signed for the Dragons from Wasps and made 21 appearances in his first season in Wales and has softened the blow of Taulupe Faletau’s departure by featuring prominently in the current campaign.

The number eight, a strong and influential character around the squad, is second to Connacht powerhouse Bundee Aki in the Guinness Pro12 ball carrying charts after going on the run 104 times in eight league fixtures.

His exploits have caught the eye of a number of Aviva Premiership sides but Millfield-educated Jackson, who came through the ranks at Bath and enjoyed spells with Doncaster and London Welsh, is happy to stay in Newport.

“When I signed for the Dragons I saw it as an opportunity for a new challenge. I thought that it would be good for my game to experience rugby in a different environment and league,” said Jackson.

“Originally my thoughts were to look to move back into the Aviva Premiership afterwards, but since joining I have enjoyed it a lot more than I first anticipated.

“It feels like there is a proper rugby community in Gwent, which is very infectious and I have really enjoyed that aspect of it.”

He continued: “I have had the opportunity this year to go back and play in the Aviva Premiership, but when Kingsley (Jones) spoke to me about contracts it didn’t take much consideration to stay here, because I believe that we can move the region forward.

“We have the chance to become a very competitive region and that’s what we all believe; we can push up into the top half of the Guinness Pro12 table.”

His re-signing is a boost for the Dragons as they see him as the perfect mentor for back row forward Harri Keddie, who spent November training with the Wales squad.

Head coach Kingsley Jones also believes Jackson’s game will flourish in the coming seasons.

“I had the opportunity to work closely with Ed before he joined the Dragons, and he has continued to impress me with his intelligence and skill set," he said.

“He is the perfect age for us and I feel that in the modern game between 26 to 30 years old is the best band to be in.  

"He’s such a positive guy and what everyone likes about him here is that he is able to learn and take things on, whilst also leading. 

“He has earned his new contract with some outstanding performances, and what pleases me most is his belief in what we are trying to build here and how positively we’re progressing."