Wales front row forwards Gareth Thomas and Elliot Dee have committed their futures to their respective regions.
The 31-year old Thomas has extended his stay at the Ospreys, while the 30-year-old Dee has given Dragons fans a huge boost by signing up for more at Rodney Parade. Both will be in action for Wales in Rome in Round 2 of the Guinness Six Nations.
A product of Newcastle Emlyn RFC, loosehead prop Thomas has made 137 appearances for the Ospreys since making his debut in 2014, while Dee has notched 155 games for the Dragons.
Dee has been a cornerstone of the pack at Rodney Parade over the last 12 seasons and with 26 tries to his name he is sixth on the all-time list of try scorers at the club. He has won Wales U18, 21 and senior honours from the Dragons
His international debut came against Georgia in November 2017 and he played in every game of Wales’ 2019 Grand Slam campaign, as well as 13 games during the record run of 14 successive wins from 2018/19.
“I’m proud to come from Gwent and to have spent my career at a team that I hold so close to my heart. I grew up on the terraces at Rodney Parade and it’s always a proud moment for me when I pull on the jersey,” said Dee.
“I want to play a big role in our future and the seasons ahead. I’m genuinely excited by plans to move us forward so I’m staying to help us all achieve the success and progress we want.”
Thomas has spent more than a decade at the Ospreys and has become one of their stand-out players.
“It’s a real honour to be continuing my career with the Ospreys. I’ve been here for more than 10 years and I’m still as happy to be here as I was when I joined the club, so it was a no-brainer to sign a new deal,” said Thomas.
“I’ve had the privilege of working under some great coaches at the Ospreys, especially Duncan Jones, who has really helped in my development. I’m excited to continue working with him and to continue pushing myself in being the best player I can be.”
