Twenty-three-year-old Howells played 42 times for the Ospreys scoring 12 tries over the last five seasons and joins the Dragons after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained early on last season.
Born in Brecon, Dafydd kicked off his rugby career at Abercrave, who he helped to back-to-back Ospreys Cup titles as a schoolboy then progressed through the Ospreys age-grade teams before stepping up from the Under-18s to make his Premiership debut with Neath while still only 17.
He enjoyed his first taste of first team regional rugby in two LV= Cup clashes, against the Dragons and Harlequins just weeks later and within months he had captained Wales at Under-18 level and then become one of the youngest ever senior caps after making the starting side for the first summer Test on the 2013 tour to Japan.
The former YGG Ystalyfera pupil played twice for Wales on that tour and was also selected for both Wales under 20 squads at the 2014 Junior World Championships and the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championships.
“After being first choice for the Ospreys last season playing 22 games, Dafydd’s been unlucky this campaign picking up an injury which has ruled him out of much of the season, but he’ll be back fit and ready to impress for us next year,” said Jackman.
“We’re fortunate enough to have genuine pace through our backline particularly in the back three, but he’s been a great talent from a young age and he’s still young now so he can make a big impact for us.”
A number of new recruits will be familiar to Howells from the Ospreys, plus Hallam Amos, James Benjamin, Ollie Griffiths, Leon Brown, Elliot Dee and Harrison Keddie all played alongside him for Wales under 20s.
“I’m really happy to have signed for the Dragons. It’s a fresh new start and I’m looking forward to joining the Dragons and giving it my best go.
“I’m hoping I can get going next season, enjoy the environment at the Dragons and push on as I still have Wales ambitions.
“I know a number of the players at the Dragons through age grade and Wales under 20s, but it’s exciting to be joining up with a new squad, so hopefully I can hit the ground running by training hard and playing well to give all I’ve got over the coming seasons
“When I met Bernard we talked about how he wants his team to play, and that’s definitely a style that suits me as I want to get my hands on the ball and let loose. I was sat there talking to him and itching to get going, so I’m really excited for what next season has to bring.”
