The Wales international looks to be on the move for the 2025/26 season
The Dragons are set to sign Wales international Mackenzie Martin on loan from Cardiff.
WalesOnline understands Martin has agreed a move to Rodney Parade, with the deal expected to get finalised over the next few days. The 21-year-old backrower burst onto the scene last season and has won five caps for Wales after making his Test debut against Ireland in the 2024 Six Nations.
But Martin has struggled to kick on over the past year and has been playing a lot of his rugby for Cardiff RFC in Super Rugby Cymru, even figuring in the second-row at times.
Martin is a player with huge potential and the Dragons will be hoping they can get the best out of the powerful backrower. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
In general in Welsh rugby big, powerful and explosive forwards are in short supply but Martin is one player who fits the bill.
Martin is a very powerful and dynamic ball carrier capable of making significant post-contact metres and is a player who can dominate the collisions.
He is also a very talented footballer, with an outstanding offloading game which can unlock opposition defences. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
With Wales great Taulupe Faletau extending his stay at Cardiff it is arguably in everyone’s best interests that Martin seeks opportunities elsewhere with his game-time expected to be limited at the Arms Park.
WalesOnline understands the Dragons have swooped to secure his services on a loan deal.
If the deal is finalised Martin will join a strong pool of backrow players at Rodney Parade which includes Shane Lewis-Hughes, Aaron Wainwright, Thomas Young, Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall and Solomone Funaki.
It has been a bitterly disappointing season for the Men of Gwent but there is every reason to believe they will perform significantly better in 2025/26. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
Head coach Filo Tiatia has been busy strengthening his squad and has made a number of key signings.
The likes of Wales props Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis, Cardiff lock Seb Davies, Welsh qualified lock Levi Douglas from Biarritz, Thomas Young, South African playmaker Tinus de Beer along with Tongan pair Fine Inisi and Fetui Paea have been added to the squad.
A change of scenery could do Martin the world of good and Tiatia will be desperate to unlock his obvious potential.
Martin is a player who could be a huge asset to the national side over the next few years and the hope is a move to Rodney Parade could reignite his career.
