Duo pens deal with Dragons

 

The two players have impressed Dragons coaches throughout the season resulting in them making their first appearances for the Region this year.

 

Flanker Griffiths was named Black and Ambers Captain for the 2014/15 campaign and is their youngest skipper in history. 

 

The 19-year-old from Newbridge played for the Dragons Under-18 side before moving onto Newport Rugby Football Club and making his debut against Newcastle Falcons in the British and Irish Cup. With over 30 appearances under his belt for the Premiership side he gained vital skills and knowledge resulting in a call up in the Wales U20 squad. Griffiths went on to Captain the Wales U20 squad against Scotland U20 in their Six Nations campaign.

 

South-African Carl Meyer has turned heads since helping Ebbw Vale to their Swalec Championship success last season. This season the versatile back returned to the Steelmen and caught the eyes of the Gwent Region. 

 

Dragons coaches gave Meyer his first start for the Men of Gwent in February 2015 against Exeter Chiefs in the Anglo Welsh Cup. The 23-year-old went on to feature 4 more times one of which was against Ulster where he scored a try against the Irish side resulting in the Dragons success at Rodney Parade.

 

Commenting on the recent signings, Director of Rugby Lyn Jones said: "Ollie has impressed his coaches and peers through sheer determination during training, culminating in him making his debut for Dragons a year early than normal.

 

"So much so Sven Cronk [ex head coach of Newport RFC] appointed him Captain of Newport RFC at 19 years old – where he has been outstanding in his performances.

 

"It's great to see yet another young Gwent born lad with bags of potential."

 

Jones added: "Jason Strange and Ebbw Vale identified Carl some time ago, between the Steelmen and ourselves we brought Carl into Wales, where he has been instrumental in Ebbw having an outstanding season.

 

"He steps up into a full time environment next season, on the back of a successful debut against Ulster in March."