THERE’S nothing quite like a big overseas signing to get supporters excited but sadly Newport Gwent Dragons operate in a different financial world to those over the border in the Aviva Premiership.

The arrivals of France’s Louis Picamoles, Australia’s Matt Toomua and Dave Dennis, South Africa’s Schalk Burger and JP Pietersen, Scotland’s Matt Scott and, sadly, Wales’ Taulupe Faletau and Luke Charteris have been trumpeted by those in the east as the English clubs flex their muscles for 2016/17.

There won’t be quite the same fanfare when the Dragons announce their fresh faces; they don’t have quite the same financial clout to snap up a foreign star fresh from the Test scene.

But history has shown us that a player doesn’t need to be the sort of individual that necessitates a big press conference and television crews filming their first training session to be a hit.

We all have a wish list of players that we’d love to see the Dragons target – how good would it be if they signalled their intent by trying to tempt Rhys Priestland or even Dom Day back from Bath? – but a ‘lesser’ name shouldn’t necessarily make us downhearted.

As I’ve written previous, frankly any more bodies will do to bolster the squad that does contain promise in this increasingly attritional game.

There wasn’t too much excitement when Nic Cudd arrived from Llanelli – yes, Llanelli, not the Scarlets – but the openside has proved to be a brilliant signing.

The flanker is one of the most respected operators in Europe at the breakdown and has provided incredible value for money despite a style of play that means he is the recipient of more stitches than the sweater of an incredibly proficient Cub Scout.

Cudd has played 82 games since heading east in 2012 – and his good pal Adam Warren already looks to be just as fine a recruit.

When the centre signed from the Scarlets last summer it was easy to dismiss his arrival as squad filler, occasionally deputising for the bright young talent of Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan.

However, Warren has played in EVERY game this season and has formed a formidable partnership with Adam Hughes after his welcome return from Exeter.

Sure, the injuries to Dixon and Morgan plus Pat Leach’s sad continued knee problems have led to an almost unhealthy burden but it hasn’t shown in the west Walian’s performances.

Warren isn’t the most intimidating presence yet hasn’t taken a backwards step against Ben Te’o and Stuart McCloskey in recent weeks while he is really starting to flourish in attack.

He is unlikely to add a raft of caps to his solitary Test display against the Barbarians in 2012 but the 24-year-old is a good, dependable, valuable club player.

It’s early days but the quietly-spoken man from Burry Port seems to be the perfect sort of calm presence in midfield to replace Ashley Smith, who was forced to retire last summer.

Warren and Cudd provide evidence that there are players on the books of the Ospreys, Scarlets and Cardiff Blues who are talented but just need the chance of more regular rugby.

Warren has been an ever-present and full-back Carl Meyer has racked up almost as many minutes despite his award of a permanent deal from Ebbw Vale being almost a ‘by the way…’ last summer.

The South African, who was primarily a ball-playing centre for the Steelmen, has terrific potential and has already benefited from a learning curve as steep as Stow Hill.

It has been years since the Dragons announced a really big signing – former All Black Tom Willis? – and even the likes of Rynard Landman, Brok Harris, Sarel Pretorius and Nick Crosswell, all good additions, necessitated a quick Google.

But a signing isn’t judged on how much bunting is put up to celebrate their arrival, it’s what they do on the pitch that matters and a few more like last summer’s recruit Warren would do just the trick.

South Wales Argus:

‘IF he wasn’t getting in there to miss the chances I’d be worried’: words uttered by many a football manager when defending their misfiring striker.

Yet if the forward keeps hitting the corner flag rather than the back of the net they will soon be sitting next to their boss in the dugout.

It’s surely getting to the stage where Warren Gatland must either consider making changes to his side given Wales’ lack of a killer instinct in the 22.

We headed into the Six Nations with talk of a more savvy and expansive game following their failure to get over the whitewash against 13-man Australia in the World Cup, a botched job that led to South Africa in the quarter-finals rather than Scotland. Even then they had their chances against the Springboks in the last eight but lacked sharpness of mind to take them.

So it was frustrating to see them pick up where they left off despite all the pledges of learning lessons.

The bulldozer approach remained in place for the Aviva Stadium, although Wales did try to get the ball into the wider channels only to seemingly lack the most basic of skills.

Defenders weren’t committed, carriers tucked the ball under the arm.

There was exasperation for centre Jonathan Davies, who flung his arms into the air when George North tried to get past hooker Rory Best with men outside. There was frustration for Tom James when Luke Charteris was slow to get the ball to fellow lock Alun Wyn Jones, enabling Andrew Trimble to come up to defend an overlap.

The chances were there to be taken, so the attacking game plan cannot be totally blamed.

Therefore the boss is in something of a quandary, does he stick with those who are doing the hard work but failing to make the most of it, allowing them to come good with time together, or does he tinker with the side in search of a cutting edge?

The New Zealander is pretty loyal to his group but his patience will be being tested.