Rory Sidey represented New South Wales at youth level

New South Wales Waratahs claim they have signed Newport Gwent Dragons' Australian centre Rory Sidey.

The 23-year-old signed a two-year deal at the Rodney Parade club last summer but is now set to leave the Dragons.

Sidey has not taken part in Dragons pre-season training and Waratahs coach Chris Hickey says he has signed a two-year contract for the Super 14 club.

"He is coming to us with some good experience and good performances in the Heineken Cup," said Hickey.

Sidey scored two tries in 18 appearances during his season at the Dragons but is set to return to his native Australia and join the high-flying Waratahs.

The former Western Sydney Rams and West Harbour outside centre represented New South Wales at under-19 level and played for the Waratahs' A team before signing for the Dragons.

606: DEBATE Going into a season with only Smith and Gomer Davies as recognised centres is very worrying gwent_parader

But Sidey has returned to New South Wales to provide depth to the Waratahs' new-look backline that includes new signing Australian international Berrick Barnes.

And the Waratahs are also in negotiations with former New Zealand wing Sosene Anesi.

"Rory is a good young player," Hickey told Fox Sports. "He is another significant signing."

But the Dragons have not yet confirmed Sidey's departure to BBC Sport.

Sidey's proposed move leaves Dragons coach Paul Turner with a mini-midfield crisis as Ashley Smith and Rhodri Gomer Davies are their only established centres.

The Dragons have suffered from a centre exodus this summer as Gareth Maule and Phil Dollman left while Marc Stcherbina retired after suffering a serious neck injury.

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