London Welsh continue their debut European season with a home tie against I Cavalieri Prato on Saturday boosted by French international prop Franck Montanella extending his stay with the Premiership newcomers for another two seasons.
The Exiles, who beat the Italian club 32-31 in their Round 2 match back in October, had already re-signed centre Hudson Tonga'uiha, who has 24 caps for Tonga, and prop Greg Bateman.
Now Montanella has also committed himself to the club, the prop in outstanding form so far this season and a mainstay of the club's scrum having played in 11 Premiership games since signing from Bourgoin in the summer and scoring two tries - against Gloucester and London Wasps - to boot.
"I am very happy to sign for the next two seasons with London Welsh," said Montanella.
"I had other opportunities but I decided to stay as I share the same vision as head coach Lyn Jones - to secure the long term future for London Welsh in the Premiership - and I am 100% focused on that goal.
"I love the club, the spirit and the supporters; there is a real family feel. Right now I am happy and proud to be a Dragon.'
Head Coach Lyn Jones said: "It could have proved a testing time for Franck adapting to English rugby, but he's taken to the challenge and showed himself as a genuine Aviva standard player. We are delighted to extend his stay here as he will prove a good signing both on and off the field."
Montanella began his professional career at Narbonne and had two seasons with Stade Francais Paris before joining Bourgoin for the 2011-12 season. He gained his only cap as a replacement when France played New Zealand at Eden Park on the summer tour of 2007.
