NEWPORT Gwent Dragons scrum-half Jonathan Evans will join Bath at the end of the season, the club announced today.

The 22-year-old, who hails from the Rhymney Valley in South Wales, has represented his country at U18 and U20 level, making his debut for Dragons aged just 17, making him the youngest player to ever represent the region.

“I’m delighted to be joining Bath Rugby next season,” said Evans, who recently helped the Dragons beat Irish giants Leinster in Dublin.

“Playing for my home region since I was a teenager is something I’ll always be extremely proud of, and I’m hoping to join Bath next season having finished on a high with the Dragons.”

“Having known Jonny since he was a youngster and seen his development for myself, I know he’ll fit right in here at Bath,” said Bath coach Darren Edwards, who coached Evans at Dragons and with Wales U20s.

“He brings a spark to the game and he’s very much at an exciting stage of his career. He’s joining a club that has a fantastic forward pack and he’ll thrive on playing off such a strong platform.”

Bath prop Paul James has again been named on the bench for Wales' Six Nations match against France on Saturday.