Lock Screech to hunt Dragons record after new deal

Lock Matthew Screech will close in on Lewis Evans as Dragons' record appearance holder after signing a new contract.

The 33-year-old has agreed fresh terms on what the Rodney Parade club call a "multi-year deal".

Screech has played 212 games for Dragons over two spells with the club, a tally that only Evans can beat with his 236 appearances.

"I remember hoping for one game for the Dragons during a pre-season trial," said the lock, who has won two caps.

"To now have played over 200 and be second in the appearance chart is something I'm immensely proud of and very grateful for."

Dragons record appearances

Screech earned his first spell with Dragons after impressing while with Bedwas in 2013 and returned to Rodney Parade after a season with Cardiff in 2021-22.

He will play a 13th campaign for Dragons and compete with captain Ben Carter, Levi Douglas, Seb Davies and the up-and-coming Nick Thomas for game time.

Head coach Filo Tiatia said: "He [Screech] is now fully fit and against Zebre recently he showed what he is all about when he whacked guys, accelerated into contact and won us lineout and set-piece."

Dragons have also agreed fresh terms with promising hooker Oli Burrows.

The 23-year-old from Neath joined from Exeter in 2024 and has made 12 appearances this season, scoring five tries.

Burrows impressed when Wales hookers Elliot Dee and Brodie Coghlan were injured and has been backed to keep pushing the international pair.

"He's got a very high ceiling and huge potential. We think he can play URC (United Rugby Championship) and beyond into international rugby," said forwards coach Sam Hobbs.