Dragons RFC can today confirm a number of leavers from the end of the 2023/24 season - as a total of nine players depart the Men of Gwent.
Popular front row Aki Seiuli, who brought up his 50th appearance for the club recently against Benetton Rugby, will depart at the end of the current season.
He is joined by back row Sean Lonsdale, who made 37 appearances in two seasons, and centre Sio Tomkinson, who has played 21 games in all competitions across two seasons. A
rgentine scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou (30 appearances) and centre Max Clark (15 appearances), both of whom spent time this season on loan with Cardiff Rugby, also come to the end of their time with the Men of Gwent.
Scrum half Lewis Jones (26 appearances) also leaves us after three seasons.
Wing Corey Baldwin (seven appearances) – who takes up a playing opportunity in Australia.
Senior Academy player Nathan Evans, who his senior debut earlier this season against Munster, also leaves with our best wishes.
This group join Jack Dixon who left Dragons RFC earlier this season when he retired from professional rugby to pursue new opportunities outside of sport.
Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “It’s always a difficult time of any season when players depart, and we thank them all for their commitment and dedication during their time with us.
“Every single player has had a role to play for us and we wish them all every success for the future and look forward to welcoming them back to Rodney Parade soon.”
Dragons Rugby 2023/2024 Leavers:
Aki Seiuli #306
Prop Aki Seiuli joined the Dragons from Glasgow Warriors ahead of the 2021/22 season and became a regular in the matchday squad throughout his three seasons in Gwent culminating in the Samoan international recently hitting his 50th appearance for the club.
Sean Lonsdale #315
Versatile forward Sean Lonsdale has almost been an ever-present for the Men of Gwent since joining from Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, making 36 appearances in just two seasons with still three games of the current season still to play.
Sio Tomkinson #317
Centre Sio Tomkinson joined the club as a major signing ahead of the 2022/23 season and has gone on to play 21 times, scoring four tries in the process as he showcased his ability as a skilful, hard-working & versatile player for the Men of Gwent.
Gonzalo Bertranou #303
Argentinian international scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou joined Dragons in February 2021 on a short-term deal, but following the successful spell he extended his stay and has gone on to make 30 appearances for the club over four seasons, becoming a fan favourite in the process.
Max Clark #320
Centre Max Clark made the move to Gwent ahead of the 2022/23 season after 13 seasons at Bath Rugby in England. Welsh qualified Clark, impressed with his strong ball carrying and made 15 appearances during his first season at the Dragons scoring twice. Clark then spent his second season on loan at Cardiff Rugby.
Lewis Jones #309
Experienced scrum half Lewis Jones joined Dragons on loan from Cardiff ahead of the 2021/22 season before making the move permanently following the successful spell. Jones has scored three tries in 27 appearances for the club after three years in Gwent.
Corey Baldwin #327
Corey Baldwin made the move to Rodney Parade from Scarlets in the Summer of 2023. Baldwin – who can operate at wing or centre – made seven appearances for the club in his debut season including two tries. The former Wales U20 international will now take up a playing opportunity in Australia.
Nathan Evans #330
Senior Academy prop Nathan Evans made his senior debut for the club during the 2023/24 season, coming on as a replacement during our URC fixture away to Munster. The youngster has spent majority of his playing time for Newport RFC where he has impressed for the Premiership finalists.
Jack Dixon #167
As confirmed earlier this season, legendary Dragons centre Jack Dixon retired from professional rugby to pursue new opportunities outside of sport. Dixon made a 172 appearances for his home region over 13 seasons, leaving as one of the great Dragons to play at Rodney Parade.
