WALES hooker Elliot Dee will keep living his dream at Rodney Parade after signing a new deal with the Dragons.

The 26-year-old from Newbridge is currently hunting a second Six Nations Grand Slam after coming off the bench to help secure a Triple Crown against England last weekend.

Dee has established himself as Ken Owens’ deputy since making his Test debut against Georgian in the autumn of 2017, featuring in 35 of 44 Tests.

He helped Wales to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup and will now be at Rodney Parade in his bid to usurp 34-year-old Owens as starter at the next tournament.

Dee’s contract expired this summer but said leaving was never an option after signing a deal described as "long-term" by the club.

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Dee said: “I’m really pleased to sign and be staying. I grew up watching the Dragons, it’s close to my heart and I’m proud every time I pull on the jersey.

“As a kid who used to sit in the stand and dream about playing for the Dragons. The dream was to play once so to get 100 last season was a special moment. Now I can look forward to many more to come.

“I’m excited to be a part of his region going forward and want to play a big role here. That’s why I am staying, to help us move forward and achieve.”

Dee has made 115 appearances since making his Dragons debut against Mogliano in 2013.

“I’m proud to be from Gwent and grew up with the likes of Ollie Griffiths, Jack Dixon and James Benjamin. We all came through the system together and want to bring success here,” he said.

“We have some fantastic talent at the region, the likes of Leon Brown and Aaron Wainwright who are part of the Wales set-up, and it’s great to see so many young lads coming through the system too.

“We’re all striving to bring success here and I’m now looking forward to the coming years and what we can achieve together as a squad.”

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Dragons boss Dean Ryan is looking for Dee to keep leading the charge after agreeing fresh terms.

“Elliot is passionate about playing for Dragons and determined to play a big role in our future success as a region,” said the director of rugby.

“He has aspirations for the future, both for Dragons and Wales, and we’re pleased that he feels our environment is the best place for him to achieve those goals.”

The Dragons have so far announced contracts with Ollie Griffiths, Sam Davies and bright prospects Ben Carter and Aneurin Owen, plus the signing of Wales lock Will Rowlands for 2021/22.

Further deals are set to be confirmed in the coming weeks with Ryan previously stating his confidence that there will be no major departures.