The Wales international has left Welsh rugby for a new challenge in the Gallagher PREMWainwright has signed for Leicester Tigers(Image: Getty Images)

Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of Wales and Dragons forward Aaron Wainwright ahead of next season.

The 62-cap international backrower has spent the entirety of his professional career so far at the Dragons, but it was exclusively reported by WalesOnline earlier this month that he was set to join Leicester in the Gallagher PREM as he looks to experience a new challenge outside of Wales. He follows fellow Welsh internationals Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake across the border to England, with the Ospreys duo set to join Gloucester in the summer.

Wainwright, who has made 129 appearances for the Dragons since making his debut in 2017, will leave Rodney Parade at the end of the season and join Geoff Parling’s side ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. He is set to join international teammates Olly Cracknell and Tommy Reffell in a Wales-heavy back row at Wellfield Road.

After the signing was confirmed on Thursday, the 28-year-old said he was “really excited” to join the Tigers, adding: “When you look at the long history of success that the club has had, to be able to come into that and hopefully contribute going forward is what I can’t wait to do.

“It was a little bit surreal when I was told of Tigers’ interest. I’ve watched the club and I’ve seen how competitive and physical Tigers are, and I’m buzzing to be a part of that.

“A massive draw for me was watching the games in the Gallagher PREM and seeing a packed out Mattioli Woods Welford Road. The chance to play in front of that crowd every other week is something I can’t wait for.”

Head coach Parling added: “I’m really excited for Aaron to join from next season. He’s an outstanding backrower that has shown that he can consistently perform for both club and country.

“He comes with great character references and wants to improve his game. We look forward to him adding value to our squad and showing what he can do in a Leicester shirt.”

Wainwright’s departure is another hammer blow to Welsh rugby, and the Dragons – who are understood to have matched Leicester’s financial offer – admitted they were “disappointed” to be losing a player of his quality.

A club statement read: “Dragons RFC can today confirm Aaron Wainwright will leave the club at the conclusion of this season to join Leicester Tigers.

“Aaron has been a fantastic servant for Dragons RFC, making 129 appearances since his debut in October 2017. His outstanding form for the Men of Gwent has rightly seen him recognised by Wales, with 62 international caps. He is a homegrown success story who came through the Dragons Academy to become a leading figure in our senior side.

“We are obviously disappointed to be losing a player of the quality of Aaron at the end of this campaign, and we tried everything to retain his services with financial terms that surpassed all others to remain with us. However, we must respect his decision to want to experience a fresh challenge outside of Wales and know how hard this choice has been for him to make. Dragons RFC is his club. Rodney Parade will always be his home.

“Aaron’s focus is fully on the remainder of this season and helping our club build on recent performances and the New Year’s Day derby victory over Scarlets that started 2026 on such a strong footing,” the statement added. “We know Aaron will continue give everything to our cause – as he always has – and be a fantastic role model to the younger players around him in our squad.”

In a message to Dragons fans, Wainwright said: “Dragons RFC and the Gwent region means a huge amount to me but now is the right time in my career for a fresh challenge. I hope all supporters can understand and support the decision I’ve made. The time to reflect will come at the end of this season. Right now, my focus will remain on looking forward and building on our recent performances.

“Thank you for your continued support. The atmosphere on New Year’s Day sums up why this is such a special club to represent and be a part of. Playing at Rodney Parade will always mean the world to me – I look forward to more games with the terrace in full voice and the fans behind us before the season is out.”

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