Wales lock Ben Carter commits to Dragons in 'statement' deal

Wales lock and Dragons academy product Ben Carter has signed a new long-term deal with the club.

The 23-year-old made his debut for the region in 2020, and has since gone on to make 61 appearances, captaining the side on one occasion.

He became the second-youngest player to skipper Dragons when he led the side at the age of 21 against Benetton in 2022.

Carter also has twelve Wales caps to his name, having made his debut against Ireland in the 2022 Six Nations. His most recent outing in red came against the world champions South Africa at Twickenham in June, though he did tour Australia in July without playing.

The lock has started in all four of Dragons' United Rugby Championship fixtures this season, where the side currently sit in eleventh place.

“I’m really pleased to sign and commit my future to Dragons RFC," Carter said.

“It’s an exciting young group to be a part of and I’m determined to take a leading role in helping us continue to develop as a squad and achieve our ambitions in the seasons to come.

“You can see the progress we’ve made as a group with the performances we have put this season and now it is about turning those into positive results.”

Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan added: “This is a statement re-signing for us and we are thrilled that Ben will continue his rugby journey with Dragons RFC.

“Ben is an outstanding player, someone who has all the right qualities to lead us forward and play a big role for club and country in the years to come.

“As a product of our Academy system, Ben cares deeply for his club and his influence is growing. He is a driven and ambitious young man who is hugely respected by his peers.

“Ben’s re-signing is an endorsement of what we are building, the direction we are moving in, and it underlines that Ben feels he can develop and become an even better player in our environment.

“Ben represents our future as one of a number of key individuals we are determined to retain and build our club around.”