“We are working hard here to build something long term. We have a lot of talented youngsters coming through and you get the feeling that something special is coming.”
Evans, who has played for Wales Under 20 and Wales Sevens, made his debut for the Dragons against the Scarlets in 2006. He started all six Pool matches this season as the Dragons went on to win five out of six games, including a notable double over Stade Francais Paris, to bag a home tie in the knock-out stages.
Carmarthen-born Cudd, who won caps for Wales from Under16-Under 20 levels, joined the Dragons from the Scarlets in 2012 and has made a huge impression at Rodney Parade with his powerful displays on the openside.
“I am excited to be extending my contract with the Dragons. I feel that my game has really advanced in the last two years and I look forward to continuing to push myself to be the best,” said Cudd. “We all feel that there is something special around the corner for us and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Dragons’ director of rugby Lyn Jones is delighted to have secured two of his lynch-pin forwards on long term deals as he seeks to build on the region’s march to the knock-out stages in Europe and their recent victory over the Guinness PRO12 champions Leinster in Dublin.
“I have no doubt that this news will give everyone involved with the Dragons a huge boost as both Lewis and Nic are quality players. Lewis has characteristics that make him a really good leader and he is very much a role model for any young players in the region,” said Jones.
“At 27, he is still a young man but has already achieved a lot in his career to date. I do believe that his best days are still ahead of him and its fantastic news that we will benefit from having him here for another two years.
“Nic has continued to impress me since my arrival and I am simply delighted to be offering him an extension to stay at the Dragons. It’s a significant statement of intent from our business.
“Newport Gwent Dragons have a bright future and we are creating an environment that players want to be part of. We have put in hard work, both on and off the field over the last few years means that the business is an as best a possible position to gain respect and a higher league placing.”
As well as losing Evans for their European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final gainst Cariff Blues on Saturday, 4 April, the Dragons are also going to be without centre Ross Wardle, who underwent surgery last month on a shoulder problem, and Wales Under 20 hooker Elliot Dee, who will go under the knife this week to rectify his shoulder problem.
