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Eight internationals among 20 players Dragons confirm are leaving
By Ian Cameron
Dragons have confirmed a mass exodus of players from the club which now amounts to a total of 20 athletes since the season began.
The region have been endured a season from hell, registering just two wins so fair in the United Rugby Championship.
The club had previously confirmed the departure of seasoned veterans Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis, Tavis Knoyle and Jamie Roberts, but have now added more to the list of those departing.
Dean Ryan's side this afternoon confirmed that Dan Babos, Dan Baker, Greg Bateman, Mesake Doge, Harry Fry, Tom Griffiths, Jonah Holmes, Owen Jenkins, Josh Lewis, Evan Lloyd, Joe Maksymiw, Will Talbot-Davies, Adam Warren and Max Williams are all heaving to the exit too.
Against this they have been recruiting, just this week revealing that Wales prop Dan Evans was on his way to Rodney Parade from Scarlets. They have also confirmed the arrival of JJ Hanrahan from Clermont, Sio Tomkinson from the Highlanders, Max Clark from Bath and Bradley Roberts from Ulster, among others.
“We would like to thank all the players for their commitment and effort throughout their time as Dragons," said director of rugby Ryan. “It is a difficult time of year, but we must make difficult decisions if we want change.
“The players have continued to give everything to the jersey, as they have always done, and I’m in awe of their efforts during this period.
“I’m sure our supporters will give them the reception they deserve following our final game with the Emirates Lions and we wish them every success with their future endeavours.”
The Dragons face the Emirates Lions in the final game of the season at Rodney Parade on Saturday.
Dragons: Jordan Williams, Rio Dyer, Adam Warren, Josh Lewis, Jared Rosser, Will Reed, Gonzalo Bertranou; Aki Seiuli, Elliot Dee, Mesake Doge, Joe Maksymiw, Huw Taylor, Ben Fry, Taine Basham, Ollie Griffiths (CAPT)
Replacements: Taylor Davies, Lloyd Fairbrother, Chris Coleman, Max Williams, Lennon Greggains, Lewis Jones, Sam Davies, Ioan Davies.
Emirates Lions: Quan Horn, Stean Pienaar, Henco van Wyk, Matt More, Edwill van der Merwe, Jordan Hendrikse, Morne van den Berg, JP Smith, Jaco Visagie, Ruan Dreyer, Ruan Venter, Reinhard Nothnagel (CAPT), Sibusiso Sangweni, Vincent Tshituka, Francke Horn
Replacements: PJ Botha, Sti Sithole, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruben Schoeman, Jarod Cairns, Andre Warner, Manuel Rass, Tiaan Swanepoel
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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