Welsh Rugby Star Returns Home to Join Dragons
In an exciting announcement, Wales international Dillon Lewis is set to return from England next season to play for the Dragons, a Welsh rugby team based in Newport. Lewis, a tighthead prop, made the move to Harlequins from Cardiff in 2023 but will now be joining the Newport-based team for the 2025/26 campaign. The 29-year-old aims to enhance his international prospects after being left out of this year’s Six Nations squad, while also recovering from a bicep injury. With nine appearances for Harlequins this season, Lewis will reunite with his club teammate Wyn Jones at Rodney Parade.
The Dragons, currently struggling at the bottom of the URC table, are looking to make significant improvements for the upcoming season. Head Coach Filo Tiatia expressed his excitement about signing Lewis, highlighting his wealth of international experience with over 50 caps for Wales. Lewis’s addition is expected to bolster the team’s set piece, with Tiatia eager to work with him as they build a competitive squad. The Dragons have also secured signings from Cardiff, including Thomas Young, Seb Davies, and Tinus de Beer, as they strive to revamp their roster.
Lewis, who boasts 57 Wales caps, expressed gratitude to Harlequins for the unforgettable experience he had with the club. He acknowledged the warm welcome he received and the friendships he made, despite his season being hampered by injury. The opportunity to return to Wales has sparked excitement for Lewis, who is eager to work with familiar faces and new recruits at the Dragons. He recognised the role of former teammate Leon Brown’s retirement in paving the way for his return and expressed his determination to contribute to the club’s success.
The Dragons’ Chairman, David Wright, and other key figures were instrumental in facilitating Lewis’s move back to Wales, where he aspires to don the Welsh jersey once again. With a talented squad and promising plans in place under Tiatia’s leadership, Lewis is optimistic about the team’s future. He looks forward to reuniting with old teammates and forming new partnerships as they gear up for the next season. As Lewis prepares to join the Dragons for pre-season, he is determined to make a positive impact and help the team achieve their goals on the field.
Lewis’s return to Wales marks an exciting development for the Dragons as they seek to turn their season around and compete at a higher level. His experience and dedication to the game are set to bring added strength to the team, offering a fresh perspective and renewed motivation for success. Rugby fans can look forward to seeing Lewis in action with the Dragons, as he embarks on a new chapter in his career back home in Wales.
This significant signing reflects the Dragons’ commitment to securing top talent and building a competitive squad for the upcoming season. With Lewis’s return, the team is poised to make strides towards their goal of success in the URC and beyond. As the Dragons prepare to welcome Lewis to their ranks, anticipation is high for what lies ahead in the next chapter of Welsh rugby.