Wales Under-20s Ryan Woodman, Harri Ackerman and Oli Andrew sign new Dragons deals

Ryan Woodman (centre) led Wales during the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship

Wales Under-20s captains Ryan Woodman and Harri Ackerman and Joe Westwood and Oli Andrew have signed new Dragons deals.

Centre Ackerman led Wales in the Under-20s Six Nations until his season was ended when he broke his leg against France last month.

Flanker Woodman, 20, missed the tournament because of an arm injury.

He,has made 10 appearances for Dai Flanagan's side and is set for three more seasons at Rodney Parade.

"Ryan is an exceptional talent so news he has signed a contract extension with us should be welcomed by everyone connected with Dragons," said Flanagan.

"It is our job to ensure Ryan fulfils the huge potential he has.

"Having captained Wales at Under-20s level so impressively, there is a level of expectation around Ryan.

"It is our job to ensure we work stringently to the plan in place for him to aid his development and growth in the long-term.

"Ryan has the temperament, talent, leadership skills and maturity to go to the very top and we're excited he will remain a Dragon and what the future holds for him."

Centres Ackerman and Westwood have signed new three-year contracts that will keep them at Rodney Parade until 2027.

"Contracting both (Ackerman and Westwood) in the long term is a huge boost for our midfield options," said Flanagan.

"Oli has been unfortunate with injuries in recent times that have restricted his opportunities, but he is a player who has huge potential."

Ackerman, 19, is seen as a rising star at Dragons, where he made his senior debut in December.

He was handed the Wales Under-20s captaincy after clubmate Woodman was ruled out by injury.

"The ceiling is so high for Harri," said Flanagan.

"He's another big man in our midfield and a real ball-playing centre who makes so much happen around him."

Westwood, 20, was part of the Wales team that finished sixth at last year's Junior World Championship.

He returned to make his senior Dragons debut in January and has already been earmarked for a long future at the Newport-based region.

Flanagan said: "Joe is an exciting prospect and we firmly see him as a future 13 for our club.

"He's a big man and great athlete, built to be a modern-day rugby player, and he has a fantastic skillset from his time playing in multiple positions in junior rugby."

Scrum-halves Morgan Lloyd and Che Hope, wing Ewan Rosser and hooker Sam Scarfe have also agreed fresh contracts.