Newport-Gwent Dragons have replaced the departing Rhys Thomas with the signing of prop Ben Castle.
New Zealand-born prop arrives following Thomas departure
Newport-Gwent Dragons have moved quickly to replace the departing Rhys Thomas by completing the signing of former Western Force prop Ben Castle.
The signing of New Zealander Castle has been completed in an attempt to fill the void left by Wales prop Thomas, who is moving to Newport's rivals Llanelli Scarlets at the end of this season.
The 29-year-old, who was a junior All-Black, will be linking up again with compatriot Tom Willis - the Newport captain and a team-mate from their days at the Chiefs, while another Kiwi, Hoani MacDonald, is also now at Newport.
"I am looking forward to joining up with Tom Willis again, who I played alongside in the Chiefs for five years and after playing against Hoani MacDonald numerous times, I am pleased to be playing with him," Castle said.
"I am excited about the direction of the region. There is a great base of players there and I am really looking forward to the season and its successes."
