NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have signed South African scrum-half Sarel Pretorius from the Cheetahs.

The 30-year-old has penned a long-term deal for the Rodney Parade region to join compatriots Rynard Landman and Brok Harris.

Pretorius said: “I am delighted to have signed for the Dragons. They have a great group of players along with fantastic facilities and coaches, so I am looking forward to joining up with the squad.

“I feel that it is an exciting time to be involved and I am looking forward to seeing where we can go as a club.”

Pretorious was a teammate of Dragons captain Landman at the Cheetahs and, like the lock, played for the Royal XV against the British and Irish Lions in 2009.

Unlike recent back row recruit Nick Crosswell from New Zealand, who has already linked up with the region, Pretorius will move to the Dragons next season.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones: “We are delighted that Sarel has made the move to the Dragons. He is a very experienced player and it’s that wealth of experience and ability that we need amongst our young squad.

“He is an exciting signing for us and is a great fit and I look forward to working with him next season.”