HALLAM Amos has been awarded a national dual contract (NDC) by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), cementing his place in the Welsh squad as a crucial player for coming seasons.

One of three players to have been awarded an NDC in the past few weeks, Amos joins Newport Gwent Dragons team mate Tyler Morgan and Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones in winning the

contract.

This sees Amos remain at his club, with the WRU having primacy of contract. The new NDC initiative is WRU's response to some of Welsh rugby's biggest stars heading to England and abroad in search of larger contracts.

With a centralised contract, it allows the WRU to secure the futures of the country's best players and allow them to remain playing in Wales.

Players including captain Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate have already signed NDC's and now versatile back Amos has been awarded a contract too.

Speaking about the latest signings, who have all represented Wales at under 20 level, WRU chief executive Roger Lewis, said: "Securing the signatures of these three young players represents the most momentous stage so far for the NDC system in Wales.

"We have made headlines with this great new initiative already with the marquee signings of Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate, two of our established international stars, and being able to ensure Dan could return home to Wales has sent the right messages around the rugby world.

"But the future of Welsh rugby is in the hands of the likes of Tyler, Hallam and Rhodri.

"The more players of their like whom we can ensure remain a part of our domestic competition, to benefit from all the coaching, care and infrastructure available from our elite rugby department, then the stronger we will be."

Amos won his first and only cap to date against Tonga in the 2013 Autumn campaign. That year that he also featured for Wales U20's in the Six Nations Championship and he was also named in the 2014 Autumn squad.

After coming through the Dragons academy, the Old Monmouthian became the youngest ever regional player at 17 years and 28 days and was also the youngest starting player in the PRO12 league.

"I'm really pleased to have been offered this opportunity and I fully intend to make the most of it," said Amos.

Wales Head Coach, Warren Gatland, said: "This is another important step forward as some of our youngest prospects commit their futures to the game in Wales.

"The structure we have created means a player's development and welfare is monitored by the national squad management and this will help players realise their full potential.

Dragons' Director of Rugby, Lyn Jones said: "This is a very positive move from the WRU, one which we will all feel the benefits from in the future."