Dragons sign Wales hooker Roberts on long-term deal
DRAGONS have signed Wales international Bradley Roberts on a long-term contract.
The hooker made his Test debut during the recent autumn campaign after receiving a call-up that caught most Welsh rugby followers by surprise.
Currently playing for Ulster, the 26-year-old made his Wales bow against South Africa and has also been named in the squad for the 2022 Six Nations.
But in order to extend his international career beyond this upcoming campaign, he had to sign his next contract with a Welsh region when the current one expires this summer due to the 60-cap rule.
Signing for the Dragons ahead of next term makes him eligible for Wales through to the next World Cup, bolstering Wayne Pivac’s options.
He will also prove to be a handy addition to Dean Ryan’s outfit.
“We’re really pleased that Bradley will join us and that he sees Dragons as the right environment for him to keep improving,” said Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby.
“Bradley obviously has international aspirations, as he makes the return to Wales, and we look forward to him competing for selection from next season.” Roberts added: “I’m really excited by the challenge ahead of me.
“It’s a new opportunity and, after only a few seasons at this level, I’m determined to keep moving forward.
“I spoke to Dean about the Dragons and it’s a young group that are building for the future. I’m eager to add to that and be a part of that journey.
“The move to Dragons means I can also keep pushing to be part of the Wales set-up. I’ve only just started with that, and I want to add to those experiences.
“I’m looking forward to linking up with the Dragons, but for now my focus remains on Ulster, the next few months with Wales and a strong end to this season.”
Roberts was born and raised in Durban, but wasn’t able to pick up an academy contract upon leaving school.
So he moved to North Wales on a short-term visa thanks to his family heritage and played for RGC for a year.
At the end of his spell there, he returned to South Africa and played for the Natal Sharks’ age-grade side but, again, a pro deal was not forthcoming.
He ended up playing in the Irish lower leagues before being picked up by Ulster in 2020.
Meanwhile, Jamie Roberts, who yesterday announced he was leaving the Dragons to move to Australia at the end of the month, has agreed a oneyear injury cover contract for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season with the Sydney-based Waratahs.