Coombs, who impressed when called up to the Wales squad for the 2013 RBS 6 Nations, went on to tour Japan with the national squad in June.
In May, Coombs signed a new three year extension to his current contract with the Dragons, one which will keep him at Rodney Parade until May 2017.
After progressing through the Newport RFC youth teams to play for Pontypool at senior level, Coombs then re-joined Newport RFC. He made his senior debut against Ebbw Vale in 2006 and then went on to become captain in the 2008/2009 season.
On his appointment as skipper, Coombs said: “It’s obviously one of the biggest achievements that I have had and I am very proud to be captain here at the Dragons.
“I was lucky enough to be captain of Newport RFC and to move on that one step further is massive for me.
“I have always felt that I have tried my best to lead whether I am skipper or not. It is a big step for me and it’s not an easy job but I know that I have the support of the players around me along with the support of the coaches including Kingsley, Lyn and of course Darren.
“I couldn’t be in a better place with the support around me. It’s not a daunting thing – it’s something I will embrace and will enjoy doing. As I said I try to lead by example anyway.”
Director of Rugby Lyn Jones is confident that Coombs is the man for the job. Jones has signed the likes of Kris Burton and Richie Rees among others and is looking forward to a successful season.
“I am delighted that Andrew has accepted to captain the Newport Gwent Dragons for the 2013/14 season,” he said.
“He’s really excelled since his first stint at the Newport Gwent Dragons several years back and he has deservedly represented Wales. He has also shown great example in our pre-season training.
“I think it was important to take my time to clearly identify who would be the right choice to lead us and Andrew has stood out as a natural leader in this environment.”
