Following the announcement of a new title sponsor Flogas, Newport Gwent Dragons have confirmed their preparations to strengthen their squad for next season with the announcement that they have secured the signing of prop David Maddocks.
22-year old Maddocks joins from the Scarlets and is the latest player to join the Region following on the back of last week’s signing of Scottish International Andrew Hall. Maddocks is considered to be a very promising loose head prop who has been capped at Wales U19 and U21 level and possesses good ball handling skills. Maddocks commented, “I am delighted to be joining The Dragons and being part of the professional team and the exciting squad that the Region has. I have begun training with the squad and can already see that they are very ambitious and I am relishing playing a part in the forthcoming season.”
Maddocks has experienced rugby at European level with the Scarlets, which will benefit The Dragons squad in their assault on Europe where they will play Sale Sharks, Munster and Castres. “The set up at the club is excellent and having seen the camaraderie and team spirit that exists I am looking forward to being a part of the team,” concluded Maddocks.
Head Coach Paul Turner commented that the signing of a young up and coming player will add to the squad in a beneficial way and strengthen the Dragons squad. “With the retirement of Rod Snow, David Maddocks gives us depth to the squad. Maddocks is a very ambitious player and although at 22 years of age he may be young in prop years he will mature into a very good player in the next couple of years and already possesses the traits of a modern day prop.”
Maddocks has joined the rest of The Dragons in their pre season training. Also linking up with The Dragons is Pontypool No.8 Andrew Coombs who joins the Regional side on a development contract. Coombs is a very promising back row player and if he is not playing for the Region will continue to play for Pontypool RFC in the Premier League.
Name – David Maddocks
DOB – 20/1/83
Position – Loosehead prop
Height – 6ft 1
Weight – 18st
Name – Andrew Coombs
DOB – 27/10/84
Position – No. 8
Height – 6ft 4
Weight – 16st 6lb
