THREE RGC stars have been rewarded for their exceptional seasons with high-profile moves.

The talented trio of Jacob Botica, Tiaan Loots and Alex Schwartz will be leaving the Gogs this summer after agreeing terms with Newport Gwent Dragons and Cornish Pirates.

They become the latest from the squad to try their hand at the professional ranks, following the likes of Sean Lonsdale and James Lang in recent years.

Head Coach Mark Jones, said: “I know from speaking with everyone at RGC, we are delighted to see Alex progress to full-time rugby, and his reward is done to his good performances over the past couple of seasons. It is also credit to work done by a number of people in the rugby pathway we have in the region.

“We are delighted for both Tiaan and Jacob on their move to the Dragons and it is testimony to the hard work they have put in up here. We can’t offer that higher level of rugby currently, so it is a great chance for them to go in and fulfil their potential in full time rugby.

“We offer a holistic approach to players both on and off the field, and they have both been valuable members of the squad and bought into the environment. It is never easy to catch the eye when you are semi-professional so it shows what they have done on the field with their performances.

“When we talk about development, both have come in and added to our squad and that’s what you want from the non-Welsh players. They have had a positive impact, players respect them and they will leave a legacy which the younger players can aspire to, and that it what we want to achieve from our Academy to senior side.

“The great thing is that we have a great relationship with the Dragons, and if they are not getting game time then we will have them playing for us which is a benefit for both us and the players.”