Wales No. 8 Aaron Wainwright has agreed to stay at the Dragons amid interest from a number of English clubs.
The 43-cap international would have been free to leave Wales this summer and continue his Test career, being well clear of the 25 caps required, with the likes of Bristol and Leicester interested in his services.
However, any speculation over his future has been put to rest, with the back-row having joined Rio Dyer in signing a new contract at Rodney Parade in what is a significant boost for head coach Dai Flanagan. Get the latest rugby news sent straight to your inbox for free with our daily newsletter.
Speaking about his new deal, Wainwright said: “I’m delighted to sign. There is a lot of unfinished business for me here and, being a Gwent boy, I want to see how far we can go as a team.
“It’s an exciting group we have here, and I’m excited about contributing more to my club.
“At this stage in my career, I’m thinking about what I will reflect upon when I finish playing rugby.
“If I can leave my mark at Dragons over these coming years, then I’ll be able to look back with pride. I want to stay I stuck at it and achieved something great at a special place.
“From chatting with Dai (Flanagan), he is excited about what we can do going forward. It’s about being consistent and holding ourselves accountable to ensure we play better.
“There is nothing I enjoy more than coming to Rodney Parade and seeing the terraces and stands full of fans cheering and supporting,” he added.
“I love coming here, playing games at home with that support. It drives me to put better performances in.
“At the end of the day, I support the Dragons, they are all supporting the Dragons, and if we are winning together, it is a special place.”
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The 26-year-old had recently played his 100th match for the Dragons, marking it with a try-scoring, player-of-the-match outing against the Scarlets in their New Year's Day win.
Afterwards, he admitted that "there was no better place to play" than the Dragons, with Wainwright now committing his future to the Gwent side.
“It’s fantastic news that another Gwent talent in Aaron Wainwright has signed a new contract with us," said head coach Flanagan. “Aaron’s influence at our club grows season on season, he has been playing outstandingly well for us and his best rugby years are ahead of him.
“Aaron’s future has attracted interest around world rugby, such has been his impact with us and Wales in recent times.
“His decision to continue his journey with Dragons is an endorsement of what we are building and underlines his passion to play for his home club.
“Aaron is a proud Gwent man who wants success here and who firmly believes he can become a better player and achieve his aspirations with us.”
