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Ultimate XV: Number Eight

08/04/2020

Who will take the Number Eight shirt? The vote is open NOW in our Ultimate XV feature – in association with doopoll.

The votes were cast for the rest of the back row with Nic Cudd joining Dan Lydiate – who will pack down with them?

Today we have selected seven stars to pick for the eight jersey – with Lewis Evans making a second appearance in the vote by popular demand!

Remember, if you think someone else is deserving you can nominate them too and we will act! Just comment when you vote!

Everyone who signs up and votes will be entered into a prize draw for a Dragons jersey.

Which of these seven nominations gets your vote:

Taulupe Faletau (2009-2016): 110 appearances

Faletau, who is the son of former Tongan international Kili, was at the Bristol Academy of Sport at Filton College when he was spotted by the Dragons set up. He was fast-tracked into the Dragons' Under-20 squad and Academy. He made his debut for the senior side during the 2009/10 season. He continued to progress the following season and was called up to Wales' Six Nations squad only to be ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury However, Faletau earned his first Wales cap against the Barbarians in their end of season game. He pushed on from there to be included in the Welsh reckoning for the 2011 World Cup. Once at the World Cup, Faletau was an ever-present in the Wales squad.

Michael Owen (2003-2008): 98 appearances

Pontypridd-born. Owen made his Dragons debut in 2003 and chalked up just short of a century of games before moving to Saracens in 2008. Owen also made 41 appearances for Wales and was part of the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2005.

Ross Moriarty (2012-Present): 17 appearances

Destructive and powerful back row Ross Moriarty joined the Dragons in the summer of 2018 after moving from Gloucester. Having played for England Under 18 and Under 20, Moriarty made his Wales international debut against Ireland in August, 2015. Moriarty’s father Paul played in the first World Cup in 1987 before forging a successful rugby league career with Widnes. Moriarty, who featured in the 2019 World Cup, signed a new deal at Dragons in April 2020.

Rhys Oakley (2003-2006) 51 appearances

Oakley joined Dragons from Bristol in 2003 and made over 50 appearances before moving to Leeds. He later played for Bourgoin, Northampton Saints, Moseley and Hartpury. Oakley made three appearances for Wales, his debut coming against Ireland in 2003. He also appeared for Wales in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006, being part of the squad who won the Plate competition.

Joe Bearman (2006-2011) 77 appearances

Destructive back row Bearman joined the Dragons in 2005 from the Cornish Pirates and made a total of 77 appearances. Bearman was the Magners League Player of the Month in January 2008. After gaining Welsh qualification through residency in 2009, Bearman was in line for selection for the Welsh International squad before a groin injury curtailed his chances. A succession of injuries largely ruled him out of competitive rugby from Autumn 2009 until April 2011 when he moved to Ospreys.

Lewis Evans (2003-2009) 232 appearances

Record-appearance maker Lewis Evans made his 200th appearance for Dragons in 2017, running out in front of a home crowd against Ulster in the Guinness PRO14. Newport-born Evans began his rugby by playing throughout the Dragons age-grades and also played for Premiership sides Ebbw Vale and Newport before stepping up to professional rugby. Evans has been a crucial part of the Dragons squad since 2008 and has also impressed at an international level, representing Wales at all age group levels and Wales Sevens.

Harrison Keddie (2003-2009) 60 appearances

Versatile back row Harri Keddie made his debut for Dragons in 2016 against Zebre Rugby. The Dragons Academy product has also made big strides in the Wales Under-20s set up and impressed with his ball carrying skills during the Grand Slam campaign of 2016. Keddie has also made appearances for Premiership side Ebbw Vale performing well for them in the final against Pontypridd RFC, where the Steelmen were crowned 2015/16 champions.

So, who has got your vote? Select from the list below to cast your vote and be entered into the prize draw.

Keep your eyes peeled for the winner once the voting is complete and sign up to our digital newsletter The Flight to find out the final team first before it's revealed on our social media channels

 

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