BRADFORD Dragons have announced five signings ahead of their opening away double-header this weekend.

Rihards Sulcs, Jermayne Laing, Rafi Saipe and veteran Jason Swaine have re-signed, while the latter player's 16-year-old son Eisley has also put pen to paper.

Latvian Sulcs, who is a 6ft 3in forward, is entering his seventh season with the club, helping to oversee their climb from regional to national leagues and has one of the most notable slam dunks in British basketball.

However, a knee injury that he recently picked up in training means that he will be on the sidelines for a lengthy period.

Defensive ace Laing, 25, joined the Dragons from Leeds Force at the start of the 2013-14 season but has experience of playing in the United States and has also attended the 22ft Basketball Academy in the south of France.

Guard Saipe, 6ft 2in and another recruit from Leeds Force, is about to start his second season with the Bradford club and, tenacious in defence and a capable shooter and rebounder, he will be pushing for a starting berth, having joined very much as a squad player.

Veteran three-point specialist Swaine, who has represented England 24 times and starred for Sheffield Sharks, Manchester Giants and Teesside Mohawks, is also back for a second season.

His son Eisley, who is 6ft 2in, has played at junior level for the Dragons for a number of years, representing the club in multiple age groups, while also making a couple of cameo appearances for the seniors last season.

He has represented England at both under-15s and under-16s level and has recently been selected for the England under-17s squad.

During the close season, the teenager was presented with MVP (most valuable player) awards at Basketball Eurocamps in both Bradford and Barrow.

Dragons head coach Chris Mellor said: "Jermayne has become a really consistent player for us, at both ends of the court, in the last couple of years, with his offensive contribution starting to mirror the defensive end.

"This season gives him the opportunity to become one of the better guards in the league.

"Rafi also has the opportunity to progress further. He's come back in good shape and I believe he will show himself to be a very important player for us.

"Rihards is out indefinitely, which is a massive blow for us because he gives us so much in transition rebounding and energy. Others will have to step up and fill that hole."

Swaine senior said: "Once again I feel privileged to be a part of coach Mellor's team. It's always important to me to play in a team that works together and I am looking forward to supporting my team-mates and contributing as much as I can."

Eisley Swaine added: "I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to learn from such a great coach and to play at a very high level.

"I know that it will be a tough learning curve but, as always, I am looking forward to working hard and improving my game."

The Dragons face Leicester Warriors in the National Trophy today, followed by a National Cup first-round tie against Doncaster Danum Eagles tomorrow.