With Richard Bryan sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury and Michael Owen likely to figure in Wales' plans for the forthcoming RBS Six Nations Championship, the Region identified the need to recruit a player who will provide quality back up and Shawn filled such a position.
29-year old Van Rensburg is a familiar face to Dragons supporters as he played under Mike Ruddock in the inaugural season of the Dragons.
Dragons Rugby Manager Jim McCreedy said, "Shawn joins us as injury cover for Richard Bryan. Shawn is a proven performer and has extensive experience of playing in the Celtic League, plus his game will have benefited from him playing in France with Toulon and playing Currie Cup rugby in South Africa.”
Shawn arrived at Rodney Parade at the start of the week and will be available for the remainder of The Dragons Celtic League campaign. "We are keen to bring in players when required who want to play for the Region and Shawn certainly wants to do that. He is looking forward to res-establishing relations with the Region’s supporters and Dragons teammates. He is relishing the opportunity before him and becoming a part of the great team spirit that we have here."