Lock Douglas joins Dragons as prop pair sign new deals

Lock Levi Douglas joins from Biarritz while props Rhodri Jones and Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths both featured in Dragons' Judgement Day loss to Scarlets

Lock Levi Douglas has joined Dragons from French side Biarritz Olympique.

The 29-year-old previously played for Bath and Wasps in the English Premiership and is Welsh-qualified through his grandfather.

In further good news for Dragons, Wales prop Rhodri Jones and up-and-coming loosehead Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths have signed new contracts.

Jones, who has 24 caps for his country, arrived at Rodney Parade from Ospreys on a "long-term" deal before the 2022-23 season, with Dragons saying the 33-year-old has agreed an extension to that previous agreement.

Kelleher-Griffiths, 21, has signed his first senior contract with the Welsh region having made his debut on New Year's Day.

"It is great that Rhodri has decided to continue playing for Dragons RFC," said forwards coach Sam Hobbs.

"As a Welsh international he brings crucial experience to a young forward pack and has made a big impact in his first couple of seasons here with his work-rate and set-piece experience before being unlucky with injury.

"We look forward to him finishing this season well and kicking on next season competing with an exciting group of front rowers."

Jones suffered a long-term injury in October 2024 that sidelined him until the new year, but the versatile prop - who can play either side of the scrum - returned to impress in the Dragons' front row.

Former Wales Under-20 player Kelleher-Griffiths is a converted back row, having made the switch under the guidance of Hobbs.

"Dylan's had a really good couple of years," said Hobbs.

"He converted to loosehead about four years ago and his journey from number eight to prop over a short space of time has been really quite impressive.

"Dylan's strength is his toughness, his edge and his coachability, he wants to improve every session."

Douglas has extensive playing experience in France, having played for Grenoble and current side Biarritz, alongside a spell for Toulon in the Top 14.

His French connection stretches back to the beginning of his career where he joined Bath from Oyonnax's academy in 2015.

The second row also enjoyed a successful spell in Japan with Urayasu D-Rocks where he earned promotion into Japan Rugby League One Division One.

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia said: "We're looking forward to welcoming Levi into our programme and the impact he can make.

"He brings experience from the clubs he's played at and has spent many years in the French leagues, where they pride themselves on set piece and physicality.

"Levi brings a physical presence to any game and is someone who wins the gain line on both sides of the ball."