By Paul Jones
Dragons coach Dai Flanagan believes he has added another piece to the jigsaw of the region’s rebuild with the capture of Shane Lewis-Hughes from Cardiff.
The former Wales back row forward will move to Rodney Parade ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Versatile 26-year-old Lewis-Hughes – who can also operate at lock – makes the move after 68 games for Cardiff during which time he also won three international caps.
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He joins back row Solomone Funaki, centre Harry Wilson and lock Steve Cummins in becoming confirmed new Dragons ahead of next season.
But his arrival will place further doubt over the future of former Wales star Dan Lydiate, whose contract runs out at the end of the current campaign.
Lydiate, who will turn 37 in December, went to the World Cup with Wales last year and has played nine matches for the Dragons this season.
Flanagan said: “Shane is a really physical player, and he gives us a big option at blindside and can also play lock.
“He’s a very driven and ambitious player who wants to be the very best at everything he does.
“Shane is extremely competitive and will therefore drive standards in the squad and push others around him to produce their very best form.”
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Lewis-Hughes said: “I’m so grateful for the Dragons in giving me this opportunity. It’s been a really tough few years with injuries, which has stopped me reaching the levels I know I am capable of.
“Dragons have put faith in me to add value to the club and I can’t wait to get started.
“My desire is to be the best rugby player I can possible be and there is so much potential at my new club. I’m looking forward to adding as much as I can.
“I know there is a huge amount of talent in the back row at Dragons, so I can’t wait to challenge myself in that environment.”
The Dragons are aiming to sign up to SEVEN new players this summer.
Head coach Dai Flanagan on the challenges of bringing in new recruits and spending money wisely…https://t.co/1zEVlAAQn2
— Argus on the Dragons (@argusondragons) April 18, 2024
