JJ HANRAHAN WILL join the Dragons on a long-term deal at the end of the season, the Welsh region have confirmed.
Hanrahan joined French side Clermont Auvergne last summer following his second spell with home province, Munster.
The 29-year-old has made 14 appearances for Clermont this season – scoring three tries – but will now head back to the United Rugby Championship to link up with Dean Ryan’s squad on what is believed to be a three-year deal, a move revealed by former Dragons boss Bernard Jackman on The42 Rugby Weekly podcast last month.
“I’m delighted to be joining Dragons in the summer and to be moving to a region who I feel has massive potential for growth under the guidance of Dean Ryan,” said Hanrahan.
📝 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻𝘀... 𝙅𝙅 𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙍𝘼𝙃𝘼𝙉!
— Dragons (@dragonsrugby) February 15, 2022
Give some ♥️ to @JjHanrahan who joins us from next season! 🙌 JJ will be sponsored by @CompeedUK 👍#BringYourFire🔥 #WelcomeJJ pic.twitter.com/4dNG3Q8azq
“When I first spoke to Dean about the region and his vision I could instantly see and feel his passion. I’m excited to come to Dragons and contribute to helping the team as much as I can.
“I know the United Rugby Championship competition very well through my time at Munster and it’s a league I’m looking forward to playing in again.
“Being away for a year in France at ASM Clermont has been great for me to gain new experiences and has given me a brilliant opportunity to learn a lot.
I have always had great ambitions as a player and if you look at the current Dragons squad it has a good mix of top-class players in the Welsh squad along with some exciting young talent.
“There’s so much to look forward to over the next few years to come and seeing where we can get to.”
Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, added: “We’re delighted that JJ will join us next season. He’s very keen to become a Dragon and have a big influence on what we are building at the region.
“JJ will give us added competition for the 10 jersey and brings with him a wealth of experience, from his time at Munster to most recently in France, that will be of huge benefit to our squad.”
Ireland legend Rob Kearney joined host Seán Burke, Murray Kinsella and Eimear Considine for the first episode of The Front Row, in partnership with Guinness. Rob speaks about his most euphoric moment in a green jersey, life after retirement, a “brutal” return to the GAA pitch, and his skincare routine. Click here to subscribe or listen below:
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