**Wales International Mackenzie Martin Poised for Regional Loan Move in Bid to Revitalise Career**
Wales international Mackenzie Martin is on the brink of a significant career shift, with the highly-rated back-rower expected to join the Dragons on loan for the 2025/26 campaign. The move, which is anticipated to be confirmed in the coming days, would see Martin temporarily depart Cardiff Rugby in hopes of reigniting his trajectory within top-flight rugby.
The 21-year-old’s inclusion in the Wales set-up last season drew considerable attention after he made his international debut against Ireland in the 2024 Six Nations. Displaying an explosive physical presence and talent with ball in hand, Martin quickly amassed five caps for the national side and was tipped as a future fixture for Wales. However, despite his early promise, the past year has presented significant challenges for the young forward.
Opportunities at Cardiff Rugby have proven limited, particularly following the decision of Wales veteran Taulupe Faletau to remain at the Arms Park for another term. As a result, Martin has found himself turning out more regularly for Cardiff RFC in Super Rugby Cymru, even taking on unfamiliar duties in the second row on occasion. Such a situation has prompted calls for a change of environment to maximise his rapidly developing skillset.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that a loan spell at Rodney Parade could offer Martin the platform he needs to find consistency at professional level. The Dragons—who are aiming to rebound from a disappointing campaign—have invested heavily in their playing squad for the upcoming season under head coach Filo Tiatia. Alongside established back-row operators like Shane Lewis-Hughes, Aaron Wainwright, Thomas Young and others, Martin’s arrival is expected to create healthy competition for places.
Observers within Welsh rugby circles point out that players with Martin’s blend of size, power and agility remain a prized commodity within the regional game. Notably, his ability to break the gain line and offload in contact has marked him as one of the brighter prospects among the Welsh forwards. The Dragons’ coaching team will be eager to harness these attributes as they plot a turnaround in fortunes.
For Martin, a fresh start in Newport presents a clear opportunity to prove he can be a regular at United Rugby Championship level and continue pushing for further international recognition. While his form plateaued somewhat after an impressive breakthrough, the right coaching and consistent minutes could help re-establish him as a central figure both regionally and for Wales.
The Dragons have already captured a raft of new signings ahead of 2025/26, including international front-rowers Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis, Cardiff lock Seb Davies and Biarritz’s Welsh-qualified Levi Douglas. The blend of experience and youth is expected to serve Tiatia’s revitalised project well as the club seeks to put a troubling past season firmly behind it.
Martin’s prospective move is part of a wider trend in Welsh rugby, where promising talents seek competitive game-time away from congested squad environments, while regions look to bolster their ranks in the face of fierce domestic and European competition. Supporters are hopeful that the arrangement will benefit all parties—the player, the clubs and the national side.
If the loan deal is finalised without delay, Martin could join up with his new team-mates as the Dragons commence their pre-season preparations. The next chapter in Mackenzie Martin’s career could well determine whether he can make good on his undoubted potential and once again force his way into Warren Gatland’s long-term thinking for Wales.
As the Welsh rugby landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Rodney Parade to see if this calculated gamble pays off for one of the country’s brightest young stars.