THE Dragons have followed agreeing new contracts with seven stalwarts by securing a return of lock Matthew Screech on loan.

The 30-year-old returned from Cardiff in December after heading for the Arms Park in the summer of 2021.

His exploits in his first spell at Rodney Parade earned a Wales cap against Argentina but the lock failed to hit those heights in the capital, finding chances hard to come by.

Screech returned to the Dragons when Will Rowlands suffered a shoulder injury and a deal has been thrashed out for him to be part of Dai Flanagan’s squad in 2023/24.

The forward has made 172 appearances for the club and has Jason Tovey and Steve Jones in his sights in the all-time chart, which is topped by Lewis Evans.

The Argus understands that Cardiff will continue to pay part of his contract when he joins Ben Carter, George Nott, Joe Davies and Sean Lonsdale as a senior option.