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Hibbard has been with Gloucester since 2014. David Davies
New Signing

Former Wales and Lions hooker joins the Bernard Jackman revolution at Dragons

Richard Hibbard becomes the latest player to move to the Welsh region.

BERNARD JACKMAN’S RECRUITMENT drive has continued with the acquisition of former Wales and Lions hooker Richard Hibbard from next season.

The 34-year-old will leave Gloucester at the end of the current season and is set to see his career out at Rodney Parade after signing a three-year contract.

Hibbard, who has won 38 caps for Wales since his debut in 2006 and played in all three of the 2013 Lions Tests, joins Ross Moriarty in leaving Gloucester for the Dragons as Jackman looks to bolster his resources for next term.

“I spoke to Bernard, who shared his plans for the Dragons and the direction he wants to take the team and I really want to be part of that,” he said.

“I’m excited by the move back and what Bernard is building at the Dragons. Contributing to that will be my focus to get the team into a good place. Success may not be overnight, but hopefully in any small way that I can help I can speed that process up.”

Jackman added: “Richard is an outstanding hooker and is someone that will add to our squad on and off the field. He has huge experience at the highest level and given that we have a very young squad at present that expertise will be invaluable.”

Hibbard, who won the last of his Wales caps against Ireland in 2015, leaves Gloucester after three seasons at the Premiership club having spent a decade with Ospreys from 2004 to 2014.

His arrival at Rodney Parade is another significant statement from the Dragons, who have already confirmed the additions of Wales internationals Rhodri Williams and Ryan Bevington and Bristol’s Rhodri Davies.

Furthermore, Jackman last month confirmed he will meet with George North after Christmas to discuss the possibility of the Lions winger moving to the Dragons when he leaves Northampton this summer.

Hibbard, who has made 91 Gloucester appearances since leaving Ospreys in 2014, won the last of his 38 Wales caps in 2015 against Ireland.

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