Dragons RFC are pleased to announce the signing of exciting Wales Under-19 international front row duo Codi Purnell and James Talamai.
Tighthead prop Purnell is a former pupil of Millfield School and joins the club from Bath Rugby, where he represented Bath Under-18s in the Premiership Under-18 final this year.
The Gilfach Goch RFC product – who is 6ft 3in tall and weighs 140kg - returns to Wales this summer where his family already have strong roots, with his uncle Lee a stalwart for Aberavon RFC who also represented Bedwas.
Hard-running and abrasive hooker Talamai joins the Men of Gwent from Saracens Under-18s.
A former pupil at Harrow School he was vice captain for the side that won the National Schools title at Twickenham for the second year in a row.
Talamai – who played for Cwmbran mini and juniors alongside current Dragons Academy member Tiehie Chatham - is also part of a famous sporting family with his uncle Sione Tu’ipulotu having played for Dragons, Newport and Caerphilly.
Both players featured for Wales Under-19s against Ireland last weekend at Aberavon RFC, with Purnell a second half try scorer.
Lewis Roberts, Academy Manager at Dragons RFC, welcomed the news that both players had agreed Senior Academy contacts with the club.
“It’s great that two young Welsh players have chosen us as the best place to continue their development into the senior game,” he said.
“We are excited by their potential, and they join a very promising crop of young front rowers coming through our Academy system.
“With both currently representing Wales in the Under-19s programme, we look forward to seeing them in action before joining our set-up in the summer.”
We are excited by their potential, and they join a very promising crop of young front rowers coming through our Academy system...
