Wales' Wainwright to join Leicester from Dragons

Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright will join Leicester Tigers from Dragons at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old has played his entire professional career with Dragons, featuring 129 times since making his debut in 2017.

It was within a year of his debut for the Newport-based club in the Pro 14 that Wainwright earned his first Wales cap.

He has gone on to make 62 appearances for his country - a number which ensures he remains available to play for Wales despite his move to the Prem.

Dragons say they "tried everything to retain" Wainwright, tabling what they say was "financial terms that surpassed all others to remain" with them.

At Leicester he joins fellow Wales back-rowers Olly Cracknell and Tommy Reffell.

Tigers head coach Geoff Parling says he is "really excited" to be adding Wainwright to his side.

"He's an outstanding back-rower that has shown that he can consistently perform for both club and country," Parling told the club website., external

Wainwright told Leicester's website that "it was a little bit surreal" when told of Tigers' interest and is "buzzing" to be headed to the Prem next season.

In a message to Dragons fans, he stressed his focus will remain on what he can do for a club he has been at since academy level.

"Dragons RFC and the Gwent region means a huge amount to me but now is the right time in my career for a fresh challenge. I hope all supporters can understand and support the decision I've made," he told the Dragons website., external

Wainwright's move continues a trend of top talent choosing to leave the ailing domestic scene in Wales.

The game's governing body - the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) - said in October that one one of the county's four professional men's sides were to be cut.

It is yet to happen and, while more talks are expected in the coming weeks, there is growing discontent in the game.

Earlier this week, clubs were being urged to call an extraordinary general meeting of the WRU and hold a vote of no confidence in chair Richard Collier-Keywood.

Ospreys and Wales duo Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake announced in December that will join Gloucester for the 2026-27 season.