**Cardiff Rugby to Sign George Nott from Dragons in Notable Transfer Move**
In a significant development for Welsh rugby, Cardiff Rugby are poised to bolster their squad with the acquisition of second-row forward George Nott from local rivals Dragons. The signing marks a reversal of a recent trend which has seen several players heading from the capital to Newport, placing renewed focus on Cardiff’s strategy to strengthen their forward pack ahead of next season.
George Nott, who qualifies for Wales, has established himself as a solid performer during his tenure with the Dragons. The 29-year-old joined the Rodney Parade outfit from London Irish in 2022 and has since made 41 appearances for the Gwent-based side. His influence was immediately felt, playing a central role in the Dragons boasting the statistically best lineout in the United Rugby Championship in his debut season, a pivotal area of the modern game.
Prior to crossing the Severn Bridge, Nott built his reputation at Sale Sharks and later London Irish in the English Premiership. Notably, his leadership and athleticism were recognised when he was an integral part of the England Under-20s squad that lifted the World Rugby U20 Championship trophy in 2017. Nott’s dual eligibility is a valuable asset, but Cardiff will hope his pedigree can help stabilise their forward options in a challenging period for Welsh rugby.
Interestingly, Nott’s arrival at Cardiff comes as a handful of prominent names make the switch in the opposite direction. Dragons are set to welcome Seb Davies, Thomas Young and Tinus de Beer from Cardiff, while former Cardiff tighthead prop Dillon Lewis will also join the Newport side from Harlequins. This back-and-forth movement underscores the dynamic nature of Welsh regional rugby in the face of ongoing financial and structural uncertainty.
This season, Nott has found opportunities somewhat limited, partially due to the Dragons’ own moves to strengthen their second-row roster, spearheaded by rugby director Filo Tiatia. With Cardiff’s own Seb Davies set to head across the M4 to Newport, the capital club has been left with a hole in their engine room – one which they hope Nott can fill. The recent signing of Welsh-qualified lock Levi Douglas from Biarritz is further evidence of head coach Matt Sherratt’s ambitions to add depth and experience in a crucial position.
Cardiff have also secured a new deal for Josh McNally following a highly impressive debut season, and retain the services of promising locks Teddy Williams, Ben Donnell and Rory Thornton. Additionally, Welsh Under-20s international Tom Cottle recently inked a senior academy contract, demonstrating the club’s aim to blend established talent with emerging prospects.
Elsewhere, utility forward Mackenzie Martin has been linked with a move to the Dragons, although he remains under contract at Cardiff for another year. Martin has featured in the second-row for Cardiff RFC this term and may be called upon to cover that role more frequently, given the shifting nature of the squad.
Recruitment has not been without its challenges for Cardiff Rugby in recent months. Budget uncertainty, stemming from the delayed enactment of the new Professional Rugby Agreement and the temporary period in administration, has complicated negotiations and led to at least one high-profile transfer target slipping through the net. Tighthead prop and outside centre remain areas identified for reinforcement.
Nevertheless, head coach Matt Sherratt has maintained a positive outlook amid adversity. Reflecting on recent disruptions, including a change of ownership, training facilities and significant staff turnover, he praised the resilience of the playing group following Cardiff’s hard-fought 26-21 victory over Munster. “Regardless of results, there’s a good group here and a good feeling. To be where we are at the moment, surrounded by good teams, is a massive credit to everyone involved,” Sherratt commented.
With George Nott’s impending arrival, Cardiff Rugby look to signal their intent to compete strongly in the coming season, despite facing numerous off-field challenges. Supporters will be eager to see if the experienced lock can help drive the side forward and provide the consistency needed as Welsh rugby enters a new era of uncertainty and opportunity.