The Dragons have been handed a major boost before Saturday's United Rugby Championship match against Ulster with the news that exciting young full back Huw Anderson has signed a long-term senior contract.
Anderson, regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the Welsh game, made his senior debut off the bench against Ulster in March 2024.
His performances for Pontypool in Super Rygbi Cymru earned him a first Dragons start against Newcastle Falcons in the EPCR Challenge Cup in November.
And the 20-year-old took the opportunity with both hands, putting in a player of the match display including a stunning long range solo try for his first in Dragons colours.
Caerphilly-born Anderson scored a second Dragons try on New Year’s Day against Scarlets and has cemented his place in the match day squad in recent months.
The Caerphilly-born full back has impressed for Pontypool, Wales U20s and the Dragons (Image: Chris Booth/Huw Evans Agency)
Head coach Filo Tiatia is excited to see how Anderson will build on a thrilling breakthrough season with his home club.
“Huw has been outstanding," said Tiatia. "He’s a senior academy player who has taken his opportunity and been awesome to work with.
“He’s accelerated his learning, worked really hard on his communications at 15, and he can also play very well on the wing.
“Huw is deceptively powerful, can shrug off opposition players, and we are proud of his efforts and how he continuously pushed himself.
“He is one of a number of talented homegrown players we have here who can play a big role in our future and so we are pleased he has re-signed with us.”
Anderson previously impressed for Wales Under-20s during the 2024 Six Nations, starting all five games as part of an all-Dragons back three with Walker Price and Harry Rees-Weldon.
Anderson said: “This season has been great for me personally so far, starting off playing for Pontypool in the SRC to eventually getting the opportunity to play in my first Welsh derby against Cardiff and getting my first start against Newcastle in Europe with a big win.
“It’s massive for me to be able to represent the Dragons having grown up in Gwent and starting out in a Gwent club. I’ll always remember watching games down at Rodney Parade and standing on the pitch being part of the guard of honour with Caerphilly RFC.
“I believe Dragons RFC is the best place for me to be, hopefully continuing to play regularly and learn my trade. I also think that next year we’ll have a lot more success with stronger squad depth and the right people in place to drive us forward.
“I’m excited to continue to develop under Filo Tiatia as well as coaches such as Matt O’Brien and Tom Hancock.
“It’s always good to have players like Angus O’Brien, Rio Dyer and Jared Rosser in my positions to give me advice and keep me accountable for where I can improve on the training field and in games.”
