Advertisement
Pen to Paper

Lions back row to join Dragons as Bernard Jackman makes first major signing

Ross Moriarty is making the move from Gloucester.

WALES BACK ROW Ross Moriarty will make the move to the Dragons from Gloucester for the start of the 2018-19 season on a two-year deal.

Ross Moriarty Ross Moriarty in action for the Lions in June. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

The signing is a coup for coach Bernard Jackman as Moriarty becomes his first major signing with the Dragons.

The 23-year-old’s move comes ahead of the 2019 World Cup with the Welsh Rugby Union having implemented a new selection policy that means players not based in Wales must have more than 60 caps to be eligible to play.

The news that Moriarty, who has won 17 caps for Wales, is making the switch comes after last week’s announcement that Welsh winger George North is to leave Northampton and return to Wales at the end of the season on a national dual contract.

It is not yet known which of the four Welsh regions that North will join.

Moriarty also toured New Zealand with the Lions this summer but suffered a back injury in the opening game that ruled him out for the remainder of the action.

“After meeting with Bernard Jackman, I was excited by the future plans of the club as the region looks to begin a new chapter in its history,” stated Moriarty.

“Playing international rugby is the pinnacle of every player’s career and with the new rules, it left me with no choice but to move to Wales to further my international ambitions, especially with the Rugby World Cup ahead.”

Jonathan Sexton tackled by Ross Moriarty Ross Moriarty tackles Johnny Sexton in last March's Six Nations meeting. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

“It’s a significant signing and a real reinforcement of how players are perceiving this region now,” stated Jackman.

“He is the perfect fit for us in terms of the type of player that we are looking to add to our squad in that he is young, ambitious, Welsh and very talented.

Bernard Jackman Dragons coach Bernard Jackman. CameraSport / Simon King/INPHO CameraSport / Simon King/INPHO / Simon King/INPHO

“We are building a team for the long term and to be able to get a player of Ross’s calibre, who is only 23, is an example of that.

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

Steelers tip All Blacks great Carter to be big in Japan

‘It was a bit glum’ after Argentina, but pack leaders will make Ireland a force in Six Nations

Your Voice
Readers Comments
8
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel