Dan is coming home! Dragons RFC are delighted to officially announce the major signing of Wales and British & Irish Lions back row star Dan Lydiate.
Vastly experienced forward Lydiate – recently named in the preliminary World Cup squad for Wales – will return to his first professional club and Rodney Parade this summer.
Lydiate played 85 times for the Men of Gwent between 2006 and 2013 – captaining the club on a number of occasions.
The hugely talented and driven 35-year-old – who stands 6ft 4in tall and weighs 18st 1lbs - has won 69 caps for Wales during a glittering career and featured in the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups.
Among his many accolades the flanker was named Six Nations Player of the Championship in 2012 and the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Player of the Year that same season.
Lydiate – who has also had playing spells at Racing 92 and Ospreys – was part of the British & Irish Lions squad that toured Australia in 2013, featuring in all three Tests as the Lions claimed a 2-1 series victory. He also captained the Lions on that tour.
Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “We’re delighted that Dan is coming home to a club where it all started and to a place that still means a huge amount to him.
“Dan has enjoyed a fantastic career, playing at the very highest level, and he comes back at Dragons having recently produced some of his finest rugby. A fact underlined by his recent call-up by Wales.
“Dan remains hugely ambitious and still wants to achieve in rugby and be a huge asset to us.
“He is undoubtedly a leader, someone who sets the best standards, while his vast experience and approach to the game can only be of huge benefit to our young squad.
“We’re excited that Dan is a Dragon again and from speaking to him I know just how much he is looking forward to pulling that jersey back on and representing the Men of Gwent."
Lydiate said: “It’s great to be back. I have a lot of fond memories of my time here and I’m determined to now add to that on my return.
“I’ve had a lot of good conversations with Dai about what he wants to build here and he is one of the reasons I wanted to come back and sign.
“There is a good crop of young talent here and now I’m back on board I will hopefully add some experience, play my part and help them on their journey too.
“I’m looking to getting stuck in. There is no better crowd than Rodney Parade when it is packed out and I can’t wait to play for them again and move this club forward.”
Join Dan Lydiate at Dragons RFC next season! Season Memberships for 2023/24 are available NOW! Click HERE to buy online or call 01633 670690 for further information. #DragonsFamily
We’re delighted that Dan is coming home to a club where it all started and to a place that still means a huge amount to him...
