Scrum-half Gareth Cooper will bring a touch a class

The pair will be joined by fellow former Celtic Warriors players Gareth Wyatt (wing), Jon Bryant (centre) and Richard Bryan (number eight).

Former Newport hooker James Richards is also returning to Rodney Parade after a year with Leicester Tigers.

Richards has been drafted in as cover for Paul Young, who will be out until February with a knee injury.

"The acquisition of these quality players represents the ambitions this club holds," said Dragons chief executive Andy Marinos.

There was interest from English clubs Ceri Sweeney

"We want to launch an assault on Europe this season and be competitive as we look to build on last season."

Fly-half Sweeney was wanted by all the Welsh regions and by sides outside the country, but he said the Dragons' package swayed him.

"The main thing was the professional set-up here, the facilities and the support the side gets every week," Sweeney told BBC Sport Wales.

"There was interest from English clubs, but I didn't want to move across the border at this stage of my career and my rugby had to be my main priority.

"I'm glad the deal is sorted so I can now go on Wales' summer tour and concentrate totally on that."

No announcement has been made regarding the vacant coaching role following Declan Kidney's release to take charge of Leinster.

Harlequins assistant coach Paul Turner and Llanharan boss Dennis John are believed to be among the leading contenders.