New signing Will Rowlands has spoken about his excitement a new chapter in his career after today agreeing a move to Dragons.
Wales international Rowlands – who has won five caps since his debut last Februry in the Six Nations – will make the switch to Rodney Parade from the 2021/22 season onwards.
And the 27-year-old man mountain is eager to make an impression to match his 6ft 6in frame and help the region build on the progress made under Dean Ryan.
“I’m excited by the move,” said Rowlands. “It’s a new chapter for me, having only played my rugby at one club, so I’m looking forward to some new experiences and challenging myself in a new environment.
“I spoke to Dean Ryan and that is what made my mind up. It’s a young group at Dragons with some real potential that has already made some strides forward under Dean and the rest of the coaches.
“I’m looking forward to being able to contribute to that in any way I can, help improve the team so we can all improve as players as a result.
“It’s a new league and I’ve only played against a handful of the teams in European games so it will be good to have that variety and change.
“I’ve also never lived in Wales so I’m looking forward to going back to my roots in some respects and spend some time there.
“It will be a new season and a new challenge. I’m looking forward to linking up with the rest of the guys and progressing.”
Rowlands needs little introduction to his new team-mates having already come up against many of them in the Heineken Champions Cup clash this season.
“I’ve obviously played against the Dragons this season - it was a weird one because of all that happened with Covid beforehand,” he admitted.
“It guess it overshadowed it all and it was a shame that we couldn’t have the reverse fixture at the Ricoh.
“But it was nice to be down there, experience a bit of Rodney Parade, but I know it will be much better when fans are back.
“I obviously know a few of the guys through Welsh camps already so it was entertaining and good fun to play against them.”
Reflecting on his own form, Rowlands believes he will arrive playing some of the best rugby of his career.
And the Hammersmith-born lock is eager to produce for his new region and continue his international development.
He said: “I think it’s been my best 12 months from a rugby point of view, even if it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for us all in other aspects of life.
“I’ve been happy with how I’ve been playing for Wasps and I was really honoured to take up the opportunity to play for Wales. I’ve really enjoyed my involvement with that so far.
“I’m excited about coming to play rugby in Wales and ultimately that is to progress and have more involvements with the national team.
“It’s a fantastic environment to be in and you want to be competing against the best players in Wales.
“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity of another Six Nations campaign and trying to improve as a player and compete for spots in that match day 23.”
It’s a new chapter for me, having only played my rugby at one club, so I’m looking forward to some new experiences and challenging myself in a new environment...
