The Dragons have signed ‘electric’ Tongan wing Fine Inisi from Moana Pasifika.
The 26-year-old will head to Rodney Parade this summer to add to their options in the back three, while he can also slot in at outside centre.
The 15-times capped Tonga back, who played at the 2023 World Cup, is not one of the marquee overseas signings that co-owner David Wright promised supporters at a Q&A in February.
Inisi worked under Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia at Moana Pasifika and incoming defence coach Dale Macleod at North Harbour in New Zealand’s NPC.
“He brings good values as well as an attacking threat with his footwork and ball carrying ability,” said Tiatia. “I look forward to Fine taking his form from Super Rugby Pacific to Rodney Parade next season.”
The winger becomes the third Tongan signing of recent times after the arrivals of back row forward Solomone Funaki and tighthead Paula Latu.
Funaki is yet to play for the Dragons after complications following what was meant to be a routine operation to clean out his knee, with the issue limiting him to Super Rygbi Cymru outings for Pontypool and Newport.
He is under contract for next season while prop Latu is set to leave after signing as short-term cover following the retirements of Leon Brown and Lloyd Fairbrother plus Dmitri Arhip’s injury issues.
The Auckland-born winger will arrive in Wales this summer in a bid to hit the ground running in the United Rugby Championship.
Inisi said: “I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity to play in the northern hemisphere for a great club.
“It’s going to be a challenge but I’m keen to put my best foot forward in helping the Dragons achieve greatness.
“Adjusting to new traditions in Wales will be different for me and my little family but we are excited to fully immerse ourselves in the culture.”
The Tongan becomes the sixth senior signing for next season after deals were struck for tighthead Dillon Lewis, flankers Harry Beddall and Thomas Young, lock Levi Douglas and fly-half Tinus de Beer.
Moves have also been agreed for loosehead Wyn Jones, tighthead Robert Hunt and lock Seb Davies.
Source: South Wales Argus/Pacnews
