The 28-year-old, who can also play at lock, will join the Welsh region in February 2015 and could feature in their quarter-final at the beginning of April. Crosswell will arrive at Rodney Parade after signing off as skipper at New Zealand province Manawatu Turbos.
He has signed a long-term deal at the Dragons and brings with him a wealth of Super Rugby experience from his spells with the Hurricanes, Highlanders and Chiefs – who won the southern-hemisphere title during his stay.
Director of Rugby, Lyn Jones said: “Nick is an experienced Super Rugby player and has the right type of personality and leadership qualities that we want at Rodney Parade.
“With greater depth to our squad, we can achieve higher consistent levels of performance, from week to week. Signing Nick shows the Boards vision in wanting more success on the field”.
All the Dragons have left to do in the Challenge Cup is secure a home quarter-final after they earned their place in the last eight with a 40-29 victory over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park. They can do that by completing a European double over Stade Francais at Rodney Parade next weekend. That will not be easy against a Stade side who are still in the hunt for a spot in the last eight.
