Byrne will be joining the Dragons in the summer after signing a two year contract and Brew, who will also join in the summer, has signed a three year deal with the region.
Byrne who is currently out of action with a dislocated shoulder, has been rated amongst some of the best fullbacks in the world. Currently associated with Top 14 French team Clermont Auvergne he is looking forward to returning to Wales. Lee commented, “I am excited to be returning to Wales to play again. I hope to bring my experiences from France back to the Dragons.
“It’s no secret that the best fans in Wales are at Rodney Parade and it will be a nice change to have them cheer for me and not jeer for me!”
Talking about working with Dragons Director of Rugby Lyn Jones he said, “I am really pleased to be getting the opportunity to work with Lyn Jones again. I have a lot of respect for him and I’m looking forward to having the chance to be part of developing a competitive Welsh region in the Dragons.”
Newport Gwent Dragons have also signed winger Aled Brew, who returns to the club after a two-year stint at Biarritz. Brew has had two previous spells with the men of Gwent where he scored 43 tries and made 108 appearances for them before moving to France.
Talking about his stint in France Aled Brew said, “I've really enjoyed my time in France and would like to think I've learned a lot during my time in Biarritz and that I've become a better player because of it.
“I have no regrets at all about my time in French rugby, it's been a fantastic experience but I feel it's the right time to come home for me and my family.
Talking about his return to the men of Gwent Aled Brew said, “I always wanted return to the Dragons after France given the chance. And I also still have ambition to play for Wales and to do that, I know I have to play week-in, week-out and it's something I'm determined to do with the Dragons.
“The Dragons' ambition to become the best side in Wales, securing the likes of Toby and Byrney and also getting new training facilities in Ystrad Mynach mean it's exciting times for Gwent rugby, and it I'll be proud to be a part of that.”
Director of Rugby Lyn Jones was pleased
with the news of the signings and said, “I am absolutely
delighted to sign someone of Lee’s experience and calibre. He has proved
himself in Britain and France as a top quality number 15.
“There are still many in the game who still rate Lee as the best 15 in the UK. It’s a significant signing for us who is going to help the growth of our Gwent side whilst helping to develop Hallam Amos as a future Welsh 15.
“Aled has shown a desire to come back to his natural home of Newport Gwent Dragons where he was extremely popular with the supporters in the past and proved to be an excellent try scorer.
“As well as Lee, Aled is a significant signing for the region and we are excited for his return to Gwent. I look forward to seeing him play once again on Rodney Parade.”
