The Dragons have strengthened their pack with the loan signing of Mackenzie Martin from Cardiff
The Dragons have confirmed the signing of Mackenzie Martin on a loan deal from Cardiff.
WalesOnline exclusively reported last week Martin was on his way to Rodney Parade, where he will spend a season on loan. A physical back-five forward, who predominantly plays at No 8, Martin is a powerful ball-carrier and made his Cardiff debut in the BKT United Rugby Championship clash with DHL Stormers in November 2023.
The highly-rated 21-year-old – who stands 6ft 5ins and weighs 116kg – was called into the Wales international set-up ahead of the 2024 Six Nations and has won five Test caps.
But despite his meteoric rise last season, Martin has found it tough going at the Arms Park, playing the majority of his rugby for Cardiff RFC in Super Rygbi Cymru, even slotting in at lock. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Martin is a player with an extremely high ceiling and was somebody Warren Gatland thought could potentially reach the heights as a top-class international player.
The hope is the 21-year-old can really kick on under head coach Filo Tiatia at the Dragons. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
But getting into the Dragons side won’t be easy because the backrow is undoubtedly the strongest area of their squad, with the likes of Aaron Wainwright, Thomas Young, Ryan Woodman, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harri Keddie and Solomone Funaki all competing for a starting shirt.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Mackenzie into the environment and I know he is very motivated to make a big impression in our group,” said Tiatia.
“Mackenzie is an international-class back row forward who will only increase the competition in our squad for the No 8 jersey, alongside the likes of Aaron Wainwright, Solomone Funaki and Harrison Keddie.” Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
Martin becomes the club’s 10th new recruit ahead of the new season alongside Fetuli Paea, Tinus de Beer, Thomas Young, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Fine Inisi, Levi Douglas, Seb Davies, and Harry Beddall with more expected to arrive.
The Dragons only won twice throughout the 2024/25 season with former head coach Dai Flanagan losing his job last October.
Flanagan was replaced by Ospreys legend Tiatia who will have had his first full pre-season with the squad and should make the Men of Gwent a more difficult team to beat.
