Newport Gwent Dragons have signed American international scrum half Mike Petri for the remainder of the season.
A native of Brooklyn, New York City, Petri joins the Men of Gwent from Sale Sharks, and brings international experience to Rodney Parade. After making his debut for the USA against South Africa in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, he quickly established himself as a regular, winning seventeen caps to date and captaining his country against Wales in 2009.
He is a graduate of Penn State University, where he was selected for the Collegiate All-American Team four years running. A former All-American captain, he was named “Most Valuable Player” in the Collegiate All-Stars Tournament in 2006.
Petri, who is twenty-six, said: “I’m delighted to be here, it’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch for the Dragons.”
He appeared for Newport as a replacement in their fixture against Glamorgan Wanderers on Monday, and replaces Danny Lee, who retired due to injury, in the Dragons squad.