Wales star Aaron Wainwright is set to leave Dragons and join Leicester at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old Wales number eight is expected to become another big-name player to leave Welsh domestic rugby, following Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, who are moving from Ospreys to Gloucester. These exits come during a period of uncertainty in Welsh rugby, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) planning to cut the number of professional men’s teams from four to three.
Wainwright has made 129 appearances for Dragons since his debut in 2017, but the team has struggled, winning only 29 matches during his time there. Although he signed a new deal in January 2024, he is now ready for a new challenge.
At Leicester, Wainwright would link up with fellow Wales back-row players Tommy Reffell and Olly Cracknell. Because he has 62 Wales caps, he will still be eligible to play for the national team under the 25-cap rule, which restricts overseas-based players with fewer caps.
Many Wales players now play club rugby in England, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the Welsh domestic game.
