Wales back-rower Taine Basham has snubbed interest from rival clubs to sign a new contract with the Dragons.
Basham had attracted interest from the Scarlets along with a host of English clubs, including Saracens, but has opted to remain at Rodney Parade which is a significant boost for the Dragons. The Dragons had some very real flight risks in Wales trio Basham, Aaron Wainwright and Rio Dyer but all three have turned down offers from elsewhere.
Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan is confident he will have a competitive squad next season which is evidenced by a host of re-signings including some of the club's best young talent in Wales U20s duo Ryan Woodman and Harri Ackermann. At one stage it looked as if the 17-cap Basham might leave but the 24-year-old believes Rodney Parade is the best place for his development.
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“We want to keep our best homegrown talent in Gwent, so news that Taine has agreed a new contract will rightly be celebrated by all our supporters," said Flanagan. “Taine joins the likes of Aaron and Rio in agreeing fresh terms and we look forward to continuing to watch important international players make a big impact and be key figures for us.
“It has always meant a huge amount to Taine to play for Dragons, he is passionate about our club, and it has been great to see him show his very best form in recent games. Now his future is resolved, we look forward to Taine finishing this season strongly and building on his successful career with us.”
At his best Basham, who can cover the back-rower, is capable of making a big impact at international level with his explosive carrying, destructive defence and raw physicality standing out. But he man from Talywain has fallen down the Wales pecking order of late and will be determined to force his way into Warren Gatland's summer squad for Tests against South Africa at Twickenham and two against Australia down under.
“I’m really happy to sign a new contract with my home club," said Basham. "As a Gwent boy, it means a massive amount to me every time I pull on the jersey.
“I now look forward with excitement to playing more for the Dragons, and hopefully a reaching a century of appearances for the club. My thanks go to our fantastic fans for their continued support for me.
"I can’t wait to get back out on the field at Rodney Parade and finish this final block of the season really strongly.”
