Dragons sign former Exeter scrum-half Armstrong

Dragons scrum-half Niall Armstrong made his Exeter debut in 2023

Dragons have signed Irish scrum-half Niall Armstrong after his departure from Exeter.

The 25-year-old has trained with the Rodney Parade side throughout pre-season and replaces Dane Blacker, who has returned to Scarlets.

Armstrong played for Ulster Youth and earned a chance in the Premiership as part of Chiefs' partnership with the University of Exeter.

The Belfast-born scrum-half made 20 appearances for the Devon side and will now aim to make his mark in the United Rugby Championship (URC) with Dragons.

Armstrong will contest the number nine jersey with Wales international Rhodri Williams.

"I'm really excited to join the Dragons and embrace the opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment, playing rugby in Wales," Armstrong said.

"The club has put together a strong, talented squad ahead of the new season and I'm eager to play a key role in helping us achieve success on the field."

Williams is Dragons' first-choice scrum-half and Armstrong provides a more experienced rival along with homegrown 22-year-olds Che Hope and Morgan Lloyd, plus Wales Under-20s cap Logan Franklin.

Head coach Filo Tiatia said: "Niall is a talented and driven scrum-half and we're already enjoying having him within the environment."

Dragons have had an extensive summer recruitment drive after finishing bottom of the URC table last season, with Armstrong their 14th senior arrival.

They have also brought in Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Robert Hunt, Seb Davies, Levi Douglas, Thomas Young, Harry Beddall, Mackenzie Martin, Tinus de Beer, Jac Lloyd, Fetuli Paea, Fine Inisi and David Richards.