He brings over 60 games experience as player and captain in Super 14 for Waikato Chiefs and five caps for the All Blacks in 2001/02.

Head coach Paul Turner paid tribute to Willis, saying: "We have given Tom time to settle in at Rodney Parade and work with his team mates and he is fully aware of the responsibility that comes with this appointment.

"We decided to go down this route midway through last season and I feel that he is ideal for the role.

"He has taken over from a quality leader in Colin Charvis and I fully expect both of them to use their experince to drive the squad forward in the foreseeable future."

Willis is looking forward to the challenge ahead as Dragons captain, adding: "It is an honour to be given the responsibility of leading such a proud team and I acknowledge that we have a real challenge on our hands but it's one that I will accept head on."

"I'm looking forward to travelling to Belfast with the squad this weekend and putting in some honest and hard work in preparation for a season which everyone round here has high expectations."