Dragons are delighted to announce Wales Under-20 internationals Harry Rees-Weldon and Logan Franklin have become the latest exciting young talents to sign new deals at the club.
Wing Rees-Weldon puts pen to paper following an impressive campaign for Wales in Under-20 Six Nations and eye-catching display against England, where he scored a crucial try in a memorable win.
The Ebbw Vale flyer has impressed this season in Super Rygbi Cymru, scoring a stunning solo effort against Newport in the Gwent derby.
Joining him in signing a Senior Academy deal is scrum half Franklin who started all but one of Wales Under-20’s games this campaign.
The Newbridge product has also represented both Bargoed and Penallta.
Lewis Roberts, Dragons Academy Manager, said: “We’re delighted that Harry and Logan will continue their development at Dragons.
“Both have impressed for Wales during the U20 Six Nations and it was great to see them representing their country as they continue to grow.
“We look forward to helping them realise their potential and continue to push towards senior representative rugby with Dragons.”
The duo join Nick Thomas and Evan Minto in agreeing Senior Academy contracts in recent weeks, alongside new recruits Codi Purnell and James Talamai who will return to Wales to join the Men of Gwent.
“There are a lot of really good young players coming through and it’s an exciting time to be a part of Dragons,” said Rees-Weldon.
“Tom Hancock (Senior Academy Coach) has been a really big help to me this year, changing my game a little bit, identifying the positives of my game and making them better, alongside areas I needed to work on.
“Whenever I come into training with the senior set-up it’s always a big step up, but I like to adapt, and I’d like to play at that standard and hopefully get my first senior appearance.”
Franklin came into the Dragons Academy earlier this season following impressive displays for Bargoed and Penallta which ultimately led to his selection by Wales Under-20s.
“Being selected to represent Wales in the Under-20s Six Nations was a dream come true and something I’m proud to have achieved,” said Franklin.
“I wanted to stay at Dragons as it’s my home club and a team I’ve wanted to play for since I was a kid.
“It’s somewhere I look forward to coming every day, a class group of boys and a great set of coaches, helping me to work hard and keep on improving.
“I love every minute here, so it was a no brainer to sign my first contract here at the club.”
Head Coach Filo Tiatia welcomed the latest contract news adding: “It’s imperative we secure our best young talent as we build as a club, and we have now made a number of positive re-signings.
“Harry and Logan have enjoyed strong seasons for Wales Under-20s and will continue to work hard to earn opportunities in our pathway programme.”
We look forward to helping them realise their potential and continue to push towards senior representative rugby with Dragons...
