Mackenzie Martin off to Dragons

Martin will link up with the Men of Gwent next week for pre-season and remain with the club for the entirety of the new campaign following the completion of a loan agreement with Cardiff Rugby.

A physical back five forward, who predominantly plays at Number Eight, Martin is a powerful ball-carrier and made his Cardiff debut in the BKT United Rugby Championship clash with DHL Stormers in November 2023.

The highly-rated 21-year-old – who stands 6ft 5in tall and weighs 116kg – was called into the Wales international set-up ahead of the 2024 Six Nations and has won five Test caps.

Martin becomes the club’s tenth new recruit ahead of the new season alongside Fetuli Paea, Tinus de Beer, Thomas Young, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Fine Inisi, Levi Douglas, Seb Davies, and Harry Beddall.

Head Coach Filo Tiatia said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Mackenzie into the environment and I know he is very motivated to make a big impression in our group.

“Mackenzie is an international class back row forward who will only increase the competition in our squad for the Number Eight jersey, alongside the likes of Aaron Wainwright, Solomone Funaki and Harrison Keddie.”