Filo Tiatia believes the addition of Tongan international Fetuli Paea will be a game-changing boost to his Dragons squad as the Rodney Parade side continue their overhaul ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The 30-year-old centre has joined from Zebre Parma on a two-year deal, becoming the ninth confirmed signing in what is shaping up to be a comprehensive rebuild after a grim United Rugby Championship season.
But for Tiatia, this is far more than just another squad addition, but the capture of a player who could become a key weapon for the club.
“We are excited that Fetuli will be joining us at Dragons this summer,” said the head coach.
“He’s a very talented centre who has played international rugby for Tonga and Super Rugby for Crusaders and the Highlanders. He’ll bring a wealth of experience to the group.”
Paea’s signing had long been in the works and was independent of the future of Australian midfielder Harry Wilson, whose underwhelming debut year in Europe has led to speculation of an early departure.
Tiatia had already made clear his admiration for Paea before the two sides met in Parma back in February — a match that saw the 12-cap Tongan score a controversial try in a Zebre win that effectively condemned Dragons to the bottom of the table.
“Fetuli is a player I’ve followed closely for some time,” Tiatia continued.
“He has good footwork pre-contact, is a gain line winner and will be eager to bring success to our club.”
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That attacking edge was on full display during Paea’s 17 appearances for Zebre in the URC, where he recorded 45 successful carries.
Comfortable at both inside and outside centre, he’s also expected to complement fellow Tongan and new Dragons wing Fine Inisi, with back-rower Solomone Funaki — who missed most of the 2024/25 season through injury — adding further Pacific Island representation to the squad.
Paea, for his part, is relishing the challenge that awaits at Rodney Parade.
“The move to Dragons has my family and I excited about being in a new environment and atmosphere,” said Paea.
“I’ve decided to make the move to put myself in a position where I’m able to continue to learn and gain more experience.
“I’m eager to take on the new challenge, meet the Dragons family and our loyal fans and get started.”
He joins a string of fresh faces brought in as Tiatia reshapes his squad, including Wales internationals Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, and Seb Davies, as well as fly-half Tinus de Beer and flanker Thomas Young.
With the addition of a tighthead in Robert Hunt from the Cheetahs still pending and a scrum-half plus potentially another back-rower on the recruitment list, the Dragons’ transformation is well underway — but Tiatia is clear that Paea’s influence could be one of the most important pieces.
“He’s not just here to fill a spot — Fetuli’s the type of player who raises standards and gives us direction in midfield,” said Tiatia.
“We’ve needed that.”
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