Cardiff bolster pack with Basham

Cardiff Rugby are delighted to confirm the signing of Wales international Taine Basham from Dragons RFC ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The dynamic back-row forward, who has earned 17 caps on the international stage, will make the move to the Welsh capital in the summer and bring a wealth of experience and potential to the Blue & Blacks back-row.

Basham had received widespread interest from teams inside Wales and across the border, but was determined to join Cardiff to take his game to the next level.

He is now excited to embark on the next chapter in his career and believes there is a hugely exciting future at the Arms Park. 

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining Cardiff Rugby. It was time for me to take on a fresh challenge. 

“I really believe being part of the exciting group of players and coaches at the Arms Park will allow me to continue to develop as a player. 

“Hopefully I can also add a different dimension and option to compliment the quality players already in the squad. I really can’t wait to get started.”

Basham, who came through the Dragons age-grade and academy set-up, burst onto the scene in 2018, and quickly established himself as a first-team regular at Rodney Parade.

With 106 appearances and 105 points (51 tries) for the Newport-based outfit, he has forged a reputation for his physicality, athleticism and dynamism on both sides of the ball.

He is the second new signing announced by the club following the acquisition of Ioan Lloyd, and head coach Matt Sherratt believes it is another key piece of recruitment, who will not only suit his side’s playing style but bring an increased physical edge. 

Sherratt added:  “Taine is someone who has been on our radar at Cardiff for a while now.  He has undoubted ability and from my very first meeting with him, the thing that impressed me the most was his ambition to become a better player.  

“At 25 he is a good age and he adds to our young exciting squad, which we see growing and improving over the next few years.  

“He is a very powerful ball carrier with good footwork, is good over the ball and can cover multiple positions in the back row.  

“I’m sure that Taine will make a big impression at Cardiff and with hard work, I have no doubt he can fulfil his massive potential.”