Dragons coach Bernard Jackman insists new signing Aaron Jarvis will return to Welsh rugby as a better player than the Wales international who left for France.
Jarvis is coming home this summer to join the Dragons from Clermont Auvergne on a two-year contract.
The 31-year old former Bath and Ospreys prop made his international debut in November 2012 against Argentina in Cardiff, adding a further 17 appearances with his last outing for Wales against the All Blacks in 2016.
Jackman said, “We’re delighted to sign Aaron for next season. He has the pedigree, profile and talent we were looking for to boost our front row options, with a wealth of experience at regional, European and international level.
“I feel that his game and in particular his scrummaging is now even better than before having experienced the different forces and styles that the Top 14 exposes tight-heads to.
“Aaron is an honest, hard-working player and exactly the type of player we need on the pitch but also off it to act as a role model for the young talent that has emerged this season.
🙌NEW SIGNING | Delighted to #WelcomeAaron to the Dragons ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Jackman: “Aaron is a honest, hard working player and exactly the type of player we need on the pitch but also off it to act as a role model for the young talent that has emerged this season.” pic.twitter.com/6m0gNsjOac
— Dragons Rugby (@dragonsrugby) April 25, 2018
“With the likes of Elliot Dee, Richard Hibbard, Leon Brown, Ryan Bevington, Brok Harris and now Aaron Jarvis, our strength and power up front will give us a platform to compete against the best teams in the Pro14 and in Europe.”
Jarvis will be part of a Dragons cavalry arriving this summer – that includes fellow Wales international forwards Ross Moriarty and Richard Hibbard – as Jackman aims to re-build a squad that has flopped badly in this campaign.
The Rodney Parade region have only won two games all season and the anticipation felt at the start of the campaign, following the WRU takeover, has failed to inspire a turnaround on the field.
Born in Exeter, Jarvis represented England at both under 16 and under 19 levels, but chose to play for Wales after leaving Bath to join the Ospreys ahead of their Pro12 title-winning 2011/12 season.
After five seasons at the Liberty Stadium, Jarvis moved to Clermont, lifting the Top 14 in his first campaign in France and just missing out on the Champions Cup winners medal last season, as the French outfit were defeated by Saracens in the Murrayfield final.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in France with Clermont,” said Jarvis. “I feel I am returning to Wales a better player and proud of what I’ve achieved during my time here.”
“The time feels right to return for a fresh challenge and I’m excited about joining the Dragons next season given the squad Bernard is building and linking up again with Richard Hibbard and Ryan Bevington after our time together at the Ospreys.”