Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright is set to move to English Premiership side Leicester Tigers from hometown club Dragons RFC.

Wainwright made 129 appearances since debuting in 2017, making his international debut a year later, since winning 62 caps in a Welsh shirt.

In the red of Wales, the number eight has won a Six Nations Grand Slam and competed in two Rugby World Cup campaigns.

Wainwright joins a Tigers back row stable that already includes two international teammates in Tommy Reffell and Olly Cracknell.

Leicester has also reportedly been interested in signing Wales flyhalves Sam Costelow and Dan Edwards in recent months.

“I’m really excited for Aaron to join from next season,” Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling said.

“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.”

Discussing his decision to join Leicester Tigers, Wainwright added: “I’m really excited. 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 PREM and seeing a packed out Welford Road. The chance to play in front of that crowd every other week is something I can’t wait for.”

In a statement from his current club, Dragons RFC paid tribute to the forward: “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.

“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.”

Wainwright added as part of the Dragons’ statement: “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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