Basham agrees deal to stay with the Dragons

TAINE Basham has put pen to paper and agreed a new long-term deal with the Dragons.

Since making his debut in the 2017/18 season, Basham has gone on to make 53 appearances for the region and crossed the whitewash 12 times.

The 22 year old flanker made his Wales debut in the summer against Canada where he scored twice and has gone on to gain seven caps, starting all four of Wales’ recent Autumn Nations Series matches.

Dragons director of rugby, Dean Ryan, was understandably pleased to get the deal over the line.

“It’s been the result of 24 months of hard work by Taine,” said Ryan

“We’re all delighted to see that form transfer to the international field. I don’t think anyone’s ever been in doubt about the moments that Taine can create. I think my challenge to him has always been about building foundations to allow him to play international rugby.

“I’m really pleased for him that he’s been able to do that and people have been able to see him at that level.

“For us it’s just an ongoing strategy supporting our best young players and seeing them get better. It’s incredibly rewarding for me and obviously rewarding for Taine to go on and operate at that level. I’m over the moon for him.”

Rhys Webb captains Ospreys tonight when they travel to Galway to face Connacht (7.35pm). Ospreys: Dan Evans; Max Nagy, Owen Watkin, Joe Hawkins, Luke Morgan; Stephen Myler, Rhys Webb (capt); Nicky Smith, Elvis Taione, Tom Botha, Bradley Davies, Rhys Davies, Sam Cross, Jac Morgan, Ethan Roots. Reps: Sam Parry, Gareth Thomas, Rhys Henry, Will Griffiths, Morgan Morris, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Josh Thomas, Cai Evans.