In line with Newport Gwent Dragons recruitment strategy for season 2013-14 to recruit experienced players in key decision making positions, following ratification from the Board of Directors at the Dragons on the regions recruitment strategy the following players (subject to G.B.E. & Visa) have signed to play in the Dragons colours for next season and beyond.
Kris Burton
Thirty two year old Burton, born in Australia, made his debut for Italy against Uruguay in 2007. He currently has 21 caps and last played for Italy in the RBS Six Nations 2013 Tournament. A renowned game controller and tactician, Burton has been instrumental in the development of Treviso into a top quality competitive team. His experiences to date will help provide guidance to a young Dragons squad.
Head coach Darren Edwards explains, ‘Any team who has played against Kris knows how influential he can be on a game with his goal kicking and tactical awareness.’
Alongside the recruitment of Ritchie Rees we now have a good blend of young and experienced half-backs. It gives us the opportunity to generate competition and allows us to create combinations that can be influential and exciting for the team.’
Martin Muller
Muller currently plays for the Cheetahs in the Super 15 competition. He has represented his country at a number of age-group levels, including SA Schools and SA under 21, before then making his Super rugby debut with the Stormers in 2009. The South African is known for his superb lineout skills and physical work ethic.
‘Martin is a player whose progress we have been following carefully for a couple of seasons. His outstanding performances for the Griquas in last season’s Currie Cup culminated with selection for the Cheetahs in this year’s S15.’
We recognise he is a player of great pedigree and potential having come through the SA school and age grade pathways. Martin will compliment our current second rows and possesses the clear attributes that will suit the way we want to play,’ comments head coach Darren Edwards.
Netani Talei
The 29 year old has the ability to play at number eight or as a flanker at the highest level. He brings experience and leadership having competed in the RaboDirect Pro12 tournament and in the Heineken Cup with Edinburgh. He has also played over 50 games with Worcester Warriors between 2007-2010. Considered one of the best ball carrying forwards in last year’s Heineken Cup Competition, made him a contender for the ERC European Player of the Year.
Head coach Darren Edwards explains, ‘We are delighted that Netani will be joining us next year as he will not only provide us with his attacking ball carrying skills but also his leadership as a current international captain. The back row is a very strong and competitive area within our squad and with the addition of Netani it will not only be strengthened, but will also allow us create some potent combinations.’
Francisco Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
Chapparro currently plays his rugby at Stade Francias in the tough scrimmaging French Pro 14. The 23 year old was a member of the Los Pampas Vodacom Cup championship winning side and has been recently capped by Argentina against France and Italy.
‘It is recognised worldwide the quality of Argentinean front row forwards and in particular their technique in the scrum. We believe he will provide a positive influence on our current front row,’ explains Darren Edwards.
Director of Rugby, Robert Beale commented, ‘With the business now on a sound footing and an agreed strategy in place, the arrival of these players plus the recent acquisition of Ritchie Rees from Edinburgh will add considerable strength to our playing squad for next season.
We are still very active in the recruitment market as we look to meet the requirements of our agreed recruitment strategy for season 2013/14 and beyond.’
