The Tigers head coach moved quickly to underline the impact he expects Wainwright to have after the 28-year-old back-rower agreed to join the Gallagher PREM club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, ending a long association with the Newport-based region.
Parling said: "I'm really excited for Aaron to join from next season. He's an outstanding backrower that has shown that he can consistently perform for both club and country.
"He comes with great character references and wants to improve his game. We look forward to him adding value to our squad and showing what he can do in a Leicester shirt."
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Wainwright’s arrival will bolster a back row already containing Welsh internationals Olly Cracknell and Tommy Reffell, with Parling confident the Dragons talisman can continue to grow in English rugby after spending his entire professional career in Wales.
The move marks the end of a significant chapter for Wainwright, who has made 129 appearances for Dragons since making his debut in October 2017.
Within a year of that first outing, he earned his Wales debut and has since gone on to collect 62 caps, a total that ensures he remains eligible for international selection despite moving to England.
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Wainwright follows a growing list of Welsh internationals heading across the border, with Ospreys and Wales duo Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake also set to join Gloucester in the summer.
The Dragons stated they had matched Leicester’s financial offer but were ultimately unable to prevent him seeking a new challenge.
After the signing was announced, Wainwright spoke of his excitement at joining one of English rugby’s most decorated clubs.
"When you look at the long history of success that the club has had, to be able to come into that and hopefully contribute going forward is what I can’t wait to do,” he said.
“It was a little bit surreal when I was told of Tigers’ interest. I’ve watched the club and I’ve seen how competitive and physical Tigers are, and I’m buzzing to be a part of that.
“A massive draw for me was watching the games in the Gallagher PREM and seeing a packed out Welford Road. The chance to play in front of that crowd every other week is something I can’t wait for.”
While Leicester look ahead to the benefits of adding an experienced international forward to their squad, the Dragons were left to reflect on the loss of a homegrown player who rose through their academy to become one of the most consistent performers in Welsh rugby.
In a club statement, the Dragons said: "Dragons RFC can today confirm Aaron Wainwright will leave the club at the conclusion of this season to join Leicester Tigers.
"Aaron has been a fantastic servant for Dragons RFC, making 129 appearances since his debut in October 2017.
“His outstanding form for the Men of Gwent has rightly seen him recognised by Wales, with 62 international caps. He is a homegrown success story who came through the Dragons Academy to become a leading figure in our senior side.
"We are obviously disappointed to be losing a player of the quality of Aaron at the end of this campaign, and we tried everything to retain his services with financial terms that surpassed all others to remain with us.
“However, we must respect his decision to want to experience a fresh challenge outside of Wales and know how hard this choice has been for him to make. Dragons RFC is his club. Rodney Parade will always be his home.
"Aaron’s focus is fully on the remainder of this season and helping our club build on recent performances and the New Year’s Day derby victory over Scarlets that started 2026 on such a strong footing.
“We know Aaron will continue give everything to our cause – as he always has - and be a fantastic role model to the younger players around him in our squad."
