Aaron Coundley has impressed at prop for Wales U20 this season

Dragons and Newport prop Aaron Coundley has signed a three-year development contract which will see him stay at Rodney Parade until at least 2012.

The Caerphilly-born loose-head, who has come through the Dragons Academy set-up, has represented Wales at both Under-16 and Under-20 level.

"The Dragons view Aaron as one of the stars of the future," said Dragons rugby manager Robert Beale.

"We intend to invest as much expertise and resources into him as we can."

The Dragons will be delighted to have secured Coundley for the foreseeable future, having lost scrum-half Tom Isaacs to Welsh rivals the Ospreys this week.

The 22-year-old Wales Sevens World Cup-winner opted to leave Rodney Parade to take up a two-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.

The Dragons have promised to use Coundley sparingly for the remainder of this season, with a view to preparing the youngster to step up fully to the senior regional squad next season.

"Aaron has been earmarked as part of our next generation of front-row players," Beale said.

"We plan to withdraw him from competitive rugby after the World Cup (sic) for several months and concentrate on strength and conditioning, which should enable him to compete at the highest level."

The 2009 IRB Junior World Championship tale place in Japan and gets underway on 5 June, with Wales starting their campaign against Tonga in Fukuoka.

Wales' other Pool D opponents are Australia and Canada.

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