Lock deal means Will’s step closer to Dragons
WALES international Will Rowlands’ move to the Dragons has edged closer with his club Wasps having signed another lock.
Rowlands, who made his Wales debut as a substitute against France in this year’s Six Nations, is set to link up with the ambitious Gwent region for next season.
He didn’t want to leave Wasps in the lurch this campaign and lines up for them at Dan Biggar’s Northampton Saints on Sunday when this campaign’s Gallagher Premiership resumes after being put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Rowlands and newly Welsh eligible prop Greg Bateman, who has left Leicester Tigers, are expected to follow Wales internationals Jamie Roberts (Stormers), Nick Tompkins (Saracens) and Jonah Holmes (Leicester), and Welsh-qualified lock Joe Maksymiw (Connacht) to the Dragons.
Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan has stopped short of confirming the arrival of Bateman and Rowlands.
But he confirmed: “There’s a bit of committed that probably hasn’t been announced. I think you will see new signings.”
Wasps have already lost a lock in Charlie Matthews, who has joined Japanese club Kamaishi Seawaves, while there is also a doubt over the future of Thibaud Flament.
The Coventry-based club have signed Levi Douglas from Bath until the end of the campaign.
Wasps head coach Lee Blackett said: “With the number of games we have to play in such a short period of time, it’s important we have a squad that can cope with that.
“We are delighted to bring in someone of Levi’s quality and he will add to what we already have in place as we gear up for the restart.”
Rowlands will partner England star Joe Launchbury against Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens.