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Dragons sign towering Welsh-qualified lock from Connacht
By Ciarán Kennedy
The Dragons have announced the signature of towering lock Joe Maksymiw from Connacht. Maksymiw, who is Welsh-qualified, will join will immediate effect after agreeing a long term-contract at Rodney Parade.
Maksymiw started his career at Leicester Tigers and joined Connacht in 2018, making 25 appearances in his two seasons with the Irish province.
"We’re really pleased to bring Joe, a Welsh qualified player, to the region and look forward to him developing in our environment," said Dean Ryan, Dragons director of rugby.
"Joe is hungry to prove himself here, improve as a player and take the opportunity that we have given him with us."
The 24-year-old – who is 6ft 8in and weighs 18st and 2lbs - said he believes it is an exciting time for Dragons, who recently agreed a one-year loan deal for Saracens' Nick Tompkins.
"I’m thrilled to have signed for Dragons. The region is clearly on the up so it is an exciting time to be joining and coming to Wales," Maksymiw said.
"I’m now looking forward to continuing to develop my game under Dean Ryan, Luke Narraway and the other coaches.
"I can’t wait to get stuck in with the lads and start contributing to the region, both on and off the pitch."
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I like to see the Crusaders lose as much as the next non-Crusaders fan, but the fact that most of their best players have not been available this year is being hand waved away like it shouldn’t effect them. It’s no coincidence that their first dominant performance came when they had more of their best players back. This is not rocket science. If they can stay fit their team at the business end of the season will include Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Quentin Strange, Ethan Blackadder and Cullen Grace in the forwards - most of whom have barely, or not played this year. That is an outstanding pack that have not played together this season. McLeod, Havili, Aumua, Reece, and Halfpenny will be a very different prospect behind their first choice pack as well. Having said all that Penney’s record is scratchy at best, but given the players that have left and their injury list I’m reserving judgement. Penney’s appointment, a bit like Foz, has a similar stench of the incumbent having too much say in his replacement. They are lacking a truly high quality and experienced 10 which will make it hard for them to go the whole way IMO, but the list of teams who would want to play them in the finals will be very short.
Go to commentsWhere’s this people's champion come from? Irish people yes….other people? Their arrogance has become breathtaking. Not tested? Oh dear.
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