McKenzie was in Wasps' Challenge Cup and Heineken Cup-winning squads

Former Wasps prop Alistair McKenzie has joined Newport Gwent Dragons from Italian side Calvisano.

In a further boost to the Dragons front row, prop Hugh Gustafson has signed a one-year extension to his deal.

Londoner McKenzie, 27, joined Calvisano in 2007, having won the Challenge Cup with Wasps in 2003 and been part of their 2004 Heineken Cup-winning squad.

Calvisano are potential opponents for the Dragons in this season's Heineken Cup play-off.

The Scarlets' Magners League win over the Blues on Wednesday left the Dragons as the bottom Welsh region for the season, meaning they must enter the play-off.

606: DEBATE Have your say on McKenzie's signing

That game will be on 29 May, with their opponents - either Calvisano, Treviso or Viadana - to be determined on 23 May.

"Ali will be a great addition to our squad," said Dragons Rugby manager Robert Beale.

"He has plenty of experience of big games from his time at London Wasps and he will certainly reinforce our already quality front row.

"We are delighted that Hugh is staying with us at the Dragons.

"He is a talented young player and although he has struggled with injury this season, we consider him to be very much a part of the future of the side at Rodney Parade."

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