Overview
- Leicester announced the Wales international will leave Dragons to join ahead of the 2026/27 season after nine years at Rodney Parade.
- Wainwright, 28, has earned 62 caps for Wales, featured in two Rugby World Cups, and was part of a Six Nations Grand Slam campaign.
- Dragons said they were disappointed to lose him, stating they offered the best financial terms, and noted his 129 appearances since his 2017 debut.
- Head coach Geoff Parling praised Wainwright as an outstanding back-rower and said Leicester expect him to add value alongside Olly Cracknell and Tommy Reffell.
- His switch follows Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake agreeing moves to Gloucester as the WRU plans to cut men’s teams to three, with the WRPA warning of talent leaving and Dragons’ Filo Tiatia calling Wainwright a massive loss while launching a replacement search with an expanded budget.