The Dragons have announced who will be leaving Rodney Parade ahead of next season
Wales international Scott Williams won’t be offered a deal at the Dragons as the Rodney Parade club announced their leavers’ list following a nightmare season.
The former Scarlets and Ospreys centre had trained with the Dragons this season after leaving Parc y Scarlets at the end of last year. The 34-year-old made two appearances off the bench, before putting in an impressive performance against the Scarlets at Judgement Day to raise hopes he would be offered a deal.
However, that wasn’t to be.
The Men of Gwent won just one game in the United Rugby Championship this term, having lost 17 on the bounce after beating the Ospreys on the opening day of the season.
Filo Tiatia has made a host of signings ahead of next year, as he looks to turn the club’s fortunes around in his first full campaign in charge.
As such, it was always likely there would be a number of departures too.
The departures of wing Ashton Hewitt and second-row Joe Davies had already been announced by the club, as had Wales international Dan Lydiate’s retirement.
Deals for Taine Basham and Dane Blacker at Cardiff and Scarlets had also been confirmed, while Will Reed joined Worcester this week.
The Dragons have now confirmed tighthead prop Dmitri Arhip, loosehead prop Josh Reynolds, second-row George Nott, flanker George Young, fly-half Lloyd Evans and full-back Jordan Williams will also leave Rodney Parade.
Nott is expected to follow Basham to the Arms Park. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Wales international Cai Evans isn’t named on the list, despite his deal being up this summer. The full-back, who can also play fly-half, ruptured his Achilles in January, but will remain with the club to do his rehabilitation and is likely to sign a deal for next season.
Tonga prop Paula Latu is also leaving after joining the club in December on a short-term deal.
As well as Williams, Newport tighthead Nathan Evans and Lloyd Lewis were also thanked for their service during the season.
“The club would also like to thank Scott Williams, Nathan Evans, and Lloyd Lewis for their endeavours with us throughout this season,” said the Dragons’ statement on their leavers.
Wing Walker Price and hooker Tomoya Nieuwendijk-Adachi also leave the Dragons academy.
Tiatia said: “I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Dragons RFC to thank those leaving for the commitment, dedication, and professionalism they have shown throughout their time at Rodney Parade.
“Players such as Taine, Ashton, Joe and Dan have played more than 100 games for the club and leave a lasting impression with their impact and performances.
“Every single player had a role to play, and we wish them all every success moving forward. We look forward to welcoming them and their families back to Rodney Parade in the future.”
