Nottingham have further strengthened their squad with the signing of fly-half James Arlidge, while back row Ed Slater has penned a new contract.

Arlidge, 30, joins on a one-year deal from Newport Gwent Dragons, while Slater signs a permanent contract after appearing for the club last season.

Director of rugby Glenn Delaney said: "James fits with our plans to play exciting attacking rugby.

"While Ed impressed me when he joined us for the play-offs."

Slater, 21, made his Nottingham debut off the bench in March in the final league match of the season, as the Green & Whites beat Coventry 37-20.

He will give us strong leadership of a youthful and exuberant backline Delaney on James Arlidge

But his first start came as Nottingham dominated Exeter Chiefs in their play-off opener, winning 20-9.

Slater scored tries in games on-the-road at Doncaster and London Welsh, but Nottingham missed out on a place in the Championship semi-finals.

"He is good going forward with ball in hand and his recent efforts have proven he is a player with a great future," Delaney added.

"We look forward to him playing a large part for us this coming season."

Arlidge moved to the Newport in 2008 after a spell in Japan, where he earned 14 caps for the national team.

He has a breadth of experience of club rugby in his native New Zealand, having represented the Auckland Blues and the Highlanders in the Super 14, as well as playing for NPC teams Auckland, Northland and Otago.

Delaney said: "He brings with him a wealth of experience from Super 14 Rugby, NPC and internationally as a current Japanese test player.

"Having lost Tim Taylor to Gloucester we needed to bring in a fly half of true calibre and in James we believe we have found it. We look forward to welcoming him and his young family to Nottingham.

"He will give us strong leadership of a youthful and exuberant backline."

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