Back row Funaki departs Dragons

Dragons RFC can today announce that Solomone Funaki has left the club.

Tonga international Funaki joined the Men of Gwent ahead of the 24/25 season, having previously represented Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby.

Funaki – who has also played for Hawke’s Bay Magpies and was previously part of the Highlanders set-up – has now been released by mutual agreement to return to New Zealand.

He leaves with our very best wishes for his future and Solomone and his family will always be warmly welcomed back to Rodney Parade.

Head Coach Filo Tiatia said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we have said farewell to Mone and he has left the club.

“I’ve seen Mone at his very best and he’s been unfortunate that a nasty knee injury and infection means we sadly haven’t seen that here.

“I’m grateful that he has made a clear decision on his future and how he moves forward, with the full support of the club.

“I wish the best for Mone and his family for the future and I’ll stay connected with him as a coach and as a friend.”

Solomone Funaki said: “Unfortunately my knee and the plan to return has not gone as we hoped. It’s been tough and I’ve now made the decision, with the support of the club, to return to New Zealand to be with my family.

“I want to thank everyone at the club, the coaching staff, medical team and physios, for all the belief and all the hard work you put into me.

“I’m sorry that it didn’t work out for me to get back on the field to give you what we all wanted and contribute to this great club.

“To the players, I appreciate your love and support. I do love this club, I’ve enjoyed being here, and there is no regret over me coming over.

“I will continue to support you all from afar. It was awesome to see the last couple of games, winning back-to-back. I always believed this would come and hopefully this is just the start of something great.

“Thank you all for the support and love during my time in Wales. Up the Dragons.”