Former Wales U20 and Pontypool hooker Sam Scarfe has signed his first senior contract with the Dragons.
The 21-year-old made his senior debut against Glasgow in February 2024 and came off the bench against Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup in December this season. He also went out on loan to Gloucester last year.
He joins fellow Pontypool front rower Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths in graduating to a senior deal at Rodney Parade and is earmarked for a bright future.
“Sam converted to hooker from seven about four or five four years ago. He was a very good seven and his body type is suited to being a modern-day physical hooker,” said Dragons’ forwards coach Sam Hobbs.
“He played a huge amount of rugby at Pontypool in the old Premiership, which was a tough education, but now in the SRC he’s become a dominant force and an outstanding prospect who has won numerous player-of-the-match awards.
“I believe next year will be a big season for him. His contact area is his superstrength, he’s developed his ball carrying, and his set-piece is going really well.”
The Dragons have signed this season’s Wales U20 captain Harry Beddall on a long-term deal extended the senior academy contracts of two other U20 forwards, Evan Minto and Nick Thomas.
“I’ve played lots of minutes and learnt a lot from Pontypool this year with the help of top players and coaches. It has been great for me,” said Scarfe.
“Dragons is my home club, and I want to represent the badge as much as possible. The club is in a good place so it would be great to get the minutes down at Rodney Parade.
“Filo Tiatia has helped me a lot this year in understanding the game in a different way and seeing the opportunities available. I’ve also enjoyed picking the brains of our experienced senior boys as I continue to develop.”