Tom Willis takes over as Dragons captain from Colin Charvis

Summer arrival Tom Willis is Newport Gwent Dragons' new captain and they have signed Australian back Rory Sidey.

Ex-All Blacks hooker and skipper Willis replaces assistant coach Colin Charvis as captain ahead of the Dragons' pre-season training camp in Belfast.

Willis said: "We have a real challenge on our hands but it's one that I will accept head on."

Junior Waratah centre Sidey, 22, joins for two years from Sydney club West Harbour and also travels to Belfast.

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"We have given him time to settle in at Rodney Parade and work with his team mates and he is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with this appointment.

"He has taken over from a quality leader in Colin Charvis and I fully expect both of them to use their experience to drive the squad forward in the foreseeable future."

Willis added: "It is an honour to be given the responsibility of leading such a proud team and I acknowledge that.

Rory comes with good reports from a lot of knowledgeable Aussies I've talked to recently Paul Turner

Turner added: "Rory has size, pace and good handling skills and comes with good reports from a lot of knowledgeable Aussies that I've talked to recently.

"We were made aware of the young his availability a month ago and it was a position in the squad that we felt needed bolstering.

"After a lot of research and homework, he was well worth giving the opportunity."

Charvis became Dragons contact and defence skills coach in July and combines that role with playing next season.

The Dragons head to Belfast on Sunday 10 August for their training camp.

Dragons training squad:

Backs: Martyn Thomas, Gareth Maule, Tal Selley, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Ashley Smith, Gareth Maule, Rory Sidey, Phillip Dollman, Marc Stcherbina, Richard Fussell, James Arlidge, Shaun Connor, Jason Tovey, Rob Lewis, Wayne Evans

Forwards: Adam Black, Hugh Gustafson, Rhys Thomas, Lee Harrison, Tom Willis (captain), Steve Jones, Duane Goodfield, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris, Adam Brown, Jamie Ringer, Dan Lydiate, Lewis Evans, Colin Charvis.