Dragons exodus to top twenty – Ryan
THE Dragons have revealed that 16 senior players are leaving the region, taking the total departing this season up to a whopping 20.
Among those on the list are Welsh internationals Jonah Holmes and Dan Baker, with winger Holmes expected to join English Championship club Ealing after turning down a WRU wage offer.
The others are long-serving centre Adam Warren, wing Owen Jenkins, utility back Josh Lewis, scrum-half Dan Babos, full-back Will TalbotDavies, centre Tom Griffiths, fly-half Evan Lloyd, props Greg Bateman, Mesake Doge and Harry Fry, plus locks Joe Maksymiw and Max Williams.
In addition, hooker Taylor Davies (Scarlets) and wing Jordan Olowofela (Leicester) will also depart after loan spells, while Welsh internationals Jamie Roberts, Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis and Tavis Knoyle all left
Rodney Parade earlier in the season.
Director of Rugby Dean Ryan said: “We would like to thank all the players for their commitment and effort throughout their time as Dragons. 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 have made a number of high profile signings for next season. These are as follows: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Sio Tomkinson (Highlanders), Bradley Roberts (Ulster), JJ Hanrahan (Clermont Auvergne), Rhodri Jones (Ospreys), Sean Lonsdale (Exeter), Max Clark (Bath), George Nott (London Irish), Angus O’Brien (Scarlets). Meanwhile the Dragons will be without Wales squad forwards Will Rowlands, Leon Brown and Ben Carter for Saturday’s final game of the season at home to the Lions.
The trio is currently sidelined through injury, but working to prove their fitness in time for the summer tour of South Africa.
On second rows Rowlands and Carter, Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “Losing Will and Ben has been a tough challenge. They are not available for this weekend.
“I am sure Wayne (Pivac) is fully aware of where they are and I would imagine both will go in for the first camp.”