Kris Burton on kicking duty for Italy

Burton, who joins from Treviso, is joined by Cheetahs lock Martin Muller, Edinburgh back-row Netani Talei and Stade Francais' Argentina international prop Francisco Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro in signing up with the RaboDirect PRO12 side.

The 32-year-old Burton has been instrumental in Treviso's improvement in recent seasons, and Dragons coach Darren Edwards is delighted with his signing, as well as the other three additions to his player pool.

Edwards said: "Any team who has played against Kris knows how influential he can be on a game with his goal kicking and tactical awareness.

"Alongside the recruitment of Ritchie Rees we now have a good blend of young and experienced half-backs. It gives us the opportunity to generate competition and allows us to create combinations that can be influential and exciting for the team.

Outstanding

"Martin is a player whose progress we have been following carefully for a couple of seasons. His outstanding performances for the Griquas in last season's Currie Cup culminated with selection for the Cheetahs in this year's S15.

"Netani will not only provide us with his attacking ball carrying skills but also his leadership as a current international captain.

"The back row is a very strong and competitive area within our squad and with the addition of Netani it will not only be strengthened, but will also allow us create some potent combinations.

"It is recognised worldwide the quality of Argentinean front row forwards and in particular their technique in the scrum. We believe Francisco will provide a positive influence on our current front row."