GLOUCESTER tight-head prop Shaun Knight has moved across the border to sign for Welsh region Newport Gwent Dragons.

The 25-year-old, son of former Gloucester player Adrian, came through the club's Academy system at Kingsholm but has found himself surplus to requirements.

As well as making 77 competitive appearances for the club, he featured in two Junior World Championships for England U20s in 2009 and 2010.

However, he found playing opportunities difficult to come by last season behind the experienced international duo of John Afoa and Sila Puafisi, and the quest for more regular rugby has prompted the move to Rodney Parade.

Director of Rugby David Humphreys explained that the move will benefit all parties.

"Shaun is at the stage of his career when he needs to be playing regular first team rugby. The Dragons will hopefully provide him with more chances in that respect.

"It's a shame when a local lad moves on, but this is a real opportunity for Shaun. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best as he's been a popular member of the squad.”

But it is a great capture for the Dragons whose front row has been a massive Achilles heel for them over the years and even the introduction of new recruits from England has failed to stem the backward flow.

Knight will replace tight head prop Dan Way at the Dragons who retired this week due to continual shoulder injuries.