Darren Waters says he is determined to shine on the big stage after joining London Welsh from Newport Gwent Dragons.

The 29-year-old openside flanker was announced as a London Welsh player yesterday, becoming the club’s 18th signing ahead of their return to the Aviva Premiership.

Waters moves to the Kassam Stadium after three seasons at the Dragons, whose director of rugby is former Exiles head coach Lyn Jones.

“London Welsh play with physicality, they love the battle at the contact area and they fight for each other until the final whistle,” he said.

“That suits me down to the ground and I can’t wait to test myself in the biggest league in Europe.

“I know I will have to perform well to get in the side, but I am excited by a fresh challenge and to be honest I probably needed a change of scene.

“I’m a strong believer that if you keep fighting for something you will get there in the end and I am determined to show my qualities on a big stage.”

Waters started against Welsh in their LV= Cup clash at the Kassam Stadium in February 2013 and head coach Justin Burnell is a big fan.

He said: “I’ve known Darren for a long time, going back to watching him during his time at Pontypridd and then at the Dragons, and he’s a sheer raw talent.

“He’s phenomenal at the breakdown, one of the best I’ve seen, and he has an abundance of energy.

“He’s going to be an absolutely fantastic asset and a really positive addition to our environment.”

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