Dragons sign Will Rowlands
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The Dragons have added to their second-row stocks ahead of next season with the signing of Wales international Will Rowlands from Wasps.
The powerful lock, who has won five caps for Wales in the last 12 months, will join up with Dean Ryan’s men on a long-term contract from the start of the 2021/22 season.
Rowlands, 29, joins from English Premiership side Wasps where he has made just under a century of appearances over the past seven seasons.
Hammersmith-born Rowlands made his international debut for Wales in February 2020 when he appeared off the bench in the Six Nations clash with France at Principality Stadium.
“I’m very excited by the move,” said Rowlands. “It’s a new chapter for me, having only played my rugby at one club, so I’m looking forward to some new experiences and challenging myself in a new environment.
“It’s a young group at Dragons with some real potential that has already made good strides forward under Dean (Ryan) and the rest of the coaches.
Rowlands thanked Wasps saying:
“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Wasps for giving me the opportunities and helping me develop over the last seven years at the club,” he added.
“Wasps will always have a special place in my heart, and I will certainly be giving everything to the jersey to try and finish the season strongly.”
Wasps Head Coach Lee Blackett said: “Whilst we are obviously disappointed to see Will leave, we fully understand his reasons for needing to play in Wales.
“Will has and always will be highly respected by everyone at the club, on and off the field.
“He has been a great servant to Wasps, and everyone here wishes him all the best for the future. We look forward to seeing him play many more times for Wales.”
Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, said: “Will is a proven force who has produced consistent and impressive performances for Wasps in the English Premiership over a number of years.
“He’s an athletic and powerful second row who has also shown his ability be making the step up to international level with Wales over the last 12 months.
“We wanted to strengthen our front five and increase our options so we’re delighted to be able to bring Will to Wales and look forward to him making a big impression at Dragons.”
