Dragons RFC have announced the signing of Terrell Peita from New Zealand Super Rugby side Auckland Blues ahead of next season.

Dragons describe Peita as a “powerful and dynamic forward” who can play across the back row.

The 25-year-old will move to the Welsh region at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season in the summer, ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Peita had previously played for Northland in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship – where he was named Forward of the Year in 2025 – as well as Auckland and Manawatu.

In 2022, Peita played for Major League Rugby (MLR) side the New England Free Jacks.

Peita is Dragons’ second new signing and joins Anzelo Tuitavuki in agreeing terms to join the club ahead of next season at Rodney Parade.

Peita previously captained the New Zealand Maori U18 side and was named in New Zealand’s training group for the 2020 World Rugby U20 Championship before the tournament was cancelled.

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Dragons RFC for the upcoming URC season,” Peita said.

“It’s a proud moment for me to represent such a passionate club with a strong history and loyal supporters.

“This move is about more than just rugby. I’m coming here not only to grow and develop as a player, but also to become a better person off the field.

“I want to contribute positively to the environment around me, learn from those within the club, and give everything I can back to the team. I’m also really looking forward to connecting with the wider community.

“Being part of a club means representing something bigger than yourself, and I’m committed to giving back and making a meaningful impact wherever I can. I can’t wait to get started, meet everyone, and give my all for the jersey.”

Dragons head coach Filo Tiaita, who has coached Peita before, is excited to see the forward “fight for the club.”

“Terrell will be a great addition to our group,” he said. “He’s a robust loose forward, a physical player who will fight for this club.

“I coached Terrell when he was younger and he debuted with with me when I was coaching with Auckland in the NPC.

“He’s a good young Māori boy, has a clear identity and knows who he is, and will come here with open arms to learning and will submerge himself in the club.

“Terrell is someone I trust and who Dale (MacLeod) and I’ve worked with. He’s a good character, diligent around work and he’ll bring something different and is what we need.

“Now I’d like our community to really embrace him when he comes in, he is still young and only 25, and really get to know him. His actions will do his talking.”

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