**Dragons Unveil High-Profile Signing of Tongan International Fetuli Paea**
The Dragons rugby region has taken a significant step in rebuilding its squad following a challenging season, announcing the capture of experienced Tongan international Fetuli Paea. The 29-year-old centre arrives from Italian side Zebre Parma, bolstering the Newport-based outfit’s midfield options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Paea brings a wealth of experience to Rodney Parade, having amassed 12 caps for Tonga and previously played for the Highlanders and Crusaders in New Zealand’s dynamic Super Rugby competition. His European journey began last season with Zebre, and his move to the Dragons is being touted by the club’s management as a “major signing,” underscoring their ambition to revitalise after finishing bottom of the United Rugby Championship with just two wins.
Filo Tiatia, Dragons head coach, has been at the forefront of an aggressive recruitment drive aimed at injecting fresh talent and experience into the side. Paea’s arrival marks the ninth new addition to the squad, with other notable signings including Welsh internationals Seb Davies, Dillon Lewis, Thomas Young, and Wyn Jones. South African fly-half Tinus de Beer, former Biarritz lock Levi Douglas, Tongan centre Fine Inisi, and tighthead prop Robert Hunt also bolster the playing ranks.
Paea is renowned for his explosive running and ability to break the gain line, while his skill at offloading in contact promises to add a new creative dimension to the Dragons’ backline. His time with the Crusaders and Highlanders saw him develop into a robust and reliable midfield presence, attributes that the Dragons hope will help ignite a much-needed turnaround for the region.
“We are excited that Fetuli will be joining us at Dragons this summer,” commented head coach Tiatia. “He’s a very talented centre who has played both international rugby for Tonga and Super Rugby for Crusaders and the Highlanders. He’ll bring a wealth of experience to the group. Fetuli is a player I’ve followed closely for some time. He has good footwork pre-contact, is a gain line winner and will be eager to bring success to our club.”
The Tongan’s signing is likely to increase competition for places within the squad, particularly in the midfield where he will challenge the likes of Aneurin Owen, Fine Inisi, Joe Westwood and former Wales U20s captain Harri Ackerman. This heightened competition is viewed as essential for raising performance standards and depth throughout the side.
Sharing his perspective on the move, Paea expressed excitement about embracing a new challenge: “The move to Dragons has my family and I excited about being in a new environment and atmosphere,” he said. “I’ve decided to make the move to put myself in a position where I’m able to continue to learn and gain more experience. I’m eager to take on the new challenge, meet the Dragons family and our loyal fans, and get started.”
Observers note that the Dragons’ off-season recruitment signals an intent to compete more consistently in the URC, after a string of challenging campaigns. The Welsh side’s long-suffering supporters will be hoping that this new crop of signings—including the international quality of Paea—will bring the stability and results they crave.
There remains, however, considerable work to do on and off the pitch if the Dragons are to climb back into contention both domestically and in Europe. The addition of experienced campaigners and promising talents alike suggests the region is committed to fostering a winning culture and restoring pride at Rodney Parade.
As the next season approaches, attention will be focused on how these new arrivals, embodied by Paea’s high-profile switch, integrate into the side. The Dragons faithful will hope that this ambitious recruitment drive will finally signal the dawn of a more competitive era.