The 28-year-old former Wales Under 20 lock came through the Academy ranks at the Dragons in his younger days before spending a season at Cardiff RFC and then joining Ebbw Vale. Last season he helped the Steelmen win the Premiership title and topped 100 appearances for the club.
Sweet was a member of the side that played in the inaugural IRB Junior World Championships in Wales in 2008, playing alongside the likes of Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar, Jonathan Davies and Leigh Halfpenny.
He played in the games against Japan and South Africa and was on the bench for the clashes with New Zealand and Italy. He also featured in the Under 20 6 Nations championship that year.
In addition to Wales and British & Irish Lions skipper, Warburton, and Tipuric, other forwards who have graduated to full international honours from that side are Josh Turnbull, Ryan Bevington and Scott Andrews. Sweet will be linking up with another member of that squad, Sam Hobbs, at Rodney Parade, as well as Nic Cudd, who played in the 2008 6 Nations campaign.
“I began my rugby journey as part of the Dragons Academy system, playing from U16s all of the way through to the U20s, and I have never given up on playing professionally for my home Region. I’m delighted to have signed with the Dragons,” said Sweet..
“It will be an honour to contribute to a successful Dragons side in the future and I would like to thank Kingsley for this opportunity.”
Born in Pontypool, Sweet was released at the end of his Dragons academy career before making a regional appearance. Last season saw Sweet train with the Dragons Premiership Select squad and play for them during the British & Irish Cup competition.
“Ashley has earned the right to be given an opportunity at Regional level. He performed extremely well for the Dragons Premiership Select team in the British & Irish Cup last season,” said Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones
“He is a player with all the characteristics to play at Regional level. He is the sort of person who will add to our environment and I’m looking forward to seeing him take this opportunity, showing his full potential and establishing himself within the squad.”
Sweet is one of a number of new faces that have joined the Dragons during pre-season, including newcomer’s Nick Macleod, Darran Harris, Sam Beard, Pat Howard, Tom Davies, Sam Hobbs and Craig Mitchell.
