Dragons hand over senior club contracts to Cross Keys duo – Rugby news
Welsh Rugby Union professional senior rugby club, Newport Gwent Dragons, has given professional senior club contracts to the Cross Keys duo of Steffan Jones and James Leadbeater. The Officials at the club have confirmed the signing of the players in a statement
released on the club’s official website on Wednesday, May 25.
Both James Leadbeater and Steffan Jones signed one and two-year contracts respectively. Newport Gwent Dragons Director of Rugby, Robert Beale, has welcomed the signing of the impressive young halfback pair of Jones and Leadbeater.
Panteg born Leadbeater, is a Dragons academy product. Leadbeater plays as scrum half and he already made his professional club debut for the Dragons during 2009/10 season match against the Biarritz. He was called as replacement due to injuries to the first
choice scrum half pair of Wayne Evans and Alex Walker.
The 22-year-old Leadbeater has made 11 appearances for the Dragons that include five appearances for the regional side during the 2010/11 season. He has delivered exceptional performance during the opportunities given to him against tough opposition.
Commenting on the signing of Leadbeater, Beale said, “James is another regional talent who we believe has a bright future in regional rugby.”
Bargoed born Steffan Jones plays at the fly half position. In 2010/11 Jones was handed over a dual contract with Cross Keys and Dragons. He remained a pivotal player for Cross Keys and also played a few games for the Dragons during the 2010/11 Magners League.
Jones impressive performance for the Cross Keys RFC earned him the ‘Final Principality Player of the Month award’ during the regular season. He scored 307 points during the regular league season and garnered attention from larger and senior club officials.
Jones made his professional senior rugby club debut at the fullback position for the Dragons’ match against the Cardiff Blues.
The 20-year-old Jones made three appearances for the Dragons during the 2010/11 season and scored eight points that included a try and a penalty.
Commenting on the signing of the Steffan, Beale said, “We’re delighted to have Steffan on board for another two years. He has shown how talented he is.”
Beale further expressed his hopes that Jones would continue to work hard with the coaching staff and take the guidance from the senior professional players to develop his skills and bring improvement in to his overall game.
Beale has termed the signing as the symbols of the Dragons efforts to identify and develop the young and talented players in the clubs locality. He assured his and his clubs utmost support in the development of the young athletes and termed them as the club’s
future.
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