Wales prop Dillon Lewis will join Dragons from Harlequins for the start of the 2025-26 season.
The 29-year-old has been at Harlequins since leaving Cardiff for the English Premiership club in 2023, although Dragons have not specified the length of his contract.
But the 57-cap tight-head is to return to Wales, with Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia “excited” at the prospect.
“He’s a player with a wealth of international experience, with over 50 caps for Wales, and someone who has consistently performed at a high level,” said Tiatia.
“He’s coming in from Harlequins, a well-established club, where he has competed at a high level in the English Premiership and top tier of European competition.
“Dillon will bring confidence to our set-piece, so I’m looking forward to spending time with him and getting him in the building as we build our squad for next season and beyond.”
Lewis thanked Harlequins for “an incredible experience” at the London club.
“It instantly felt like a home away from home. Harlequins is a fantastic club where I’ve made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories,” he said.
“I wish I could have finished this season stronger, but unfortunately, injury hasn’t allowed it. I’m working hard to get back fit before I leave, but regardless of what happens, I will give my all to the club for the remainder of the season.”
Dragons are languishing at the foot of the United Rugby Championship table, 17 points adrift of Italian side Zebre, having regularly been the worst-performing Welsh region.
But Lewis backed Tiatia’s plans for the Newport-based side.
“We all understand the challenges ahead, but the plans that Filo is putting in place look very promising,” said Lewis.
Lewis is also looking forward to working with former Cardiff front-row colleague Sam Hobbs, who is Dragons forwards coach, while acknowledging his chance at the region has come about after fellow Wales prop Leon Brown was forced to retire because of a neck injury.
“He [Hobbs] played a big role in my development, guiding me from the academy into senior rugby, and was a great mentor to me,” Lewis said.
“I also want to acknowledge that this opportunity probably wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for Leon retiring. He’s a good friend of mine, and it’s unfortunate that his career was cut short due to injury.”
