Mitchell is linked to Bath
FORMER Wales prop Craig Mitchell is set to join the Dragons’ exodus to Bath.
The 31-year-old tighthead is reportedly training with the Aviva Premiership giants after spending last season at Rodney Parade, where he played 11 games.
The Bath Chronicle report the 15-times capped front-rower is set to become the latest player to make the move across the Severn to The Rec where former Dragons coach Darren Edwards is on their management team.
Lions No.8 Taulupe Faletau made the move to Bath from the Dragons last summer and a couple of weeks later he was joined in the West Country by team-mate Aled Brew.
Prop Shaun Knight also made the move early last season while former Dragon, Wales lock Luke Charteris, joined Bath from Racing 92.
Outside-half Rhys Priestland is another high-profile Welsh international on Bath’s books.
Neath-born Mitchell began his career at Ospreys, having represented Wales at junior levels and captained his country at Under-19 level.
Mitchell made his debut for the Wales senior team during the summer tour of North America and Canada in 2009 and was part of the Six Nations squad in 2011 and 2013.
The prop made the move to Exeter prior to his time at the Blues in the summer of 2011 and made a total of 35 appearances for the Devon outfit. His last Test appearance came against Japan, in Tokyo, in June 2013.
He faces a first-team fight at The Rec for the No.3 jersey with Bath already having tightheads Henry Thomas, Kane PalmaNewport, Max Lahiff and Knight on their books.
Meanwhile, New Zealand centre Ryan Crotty has recommitted to the All Blacks and Crusaders for another year.
Crotty said he considered his options, but was enjoying his rugby at home too much at the moment to be able to contemplate heading overseas.
“I like to take things one year at a time and when I thought about where I could picture myself in 2018, I just didn’t feel like my time here in New Zealand was up yet,” he said.
“I still get a thrill each time I pull on the black or red and black jerseys and I feel really motivated to perform for those teams.
“I genuinely think I have my best rugby in me yet.”