Dragons bag 'tough and uncompromising' back-row from Super Rugby

Dragons have signed back-row Terrell Peita from Super Rugby Pacific’s Blues ahead of next season.

The 25-year-old will head to Wales at the conclusion of the current Super Rugby campaign, where the Blues sit in third place.

The move will see the 106kg back-row reunite with two former coaches in the United Rugby Championship. Head coach Filo Tiatia worked with Peita at the beginning of his career, while defence coach Dale MacLeod worked with him at Northland in the National Provincial Championship.

Both coaches have singled out his toughness and character ahead of his arrival at Rodney Parade.

“Terrell will be a great addition to the group. He’s a robust loose forward, a physical player who will fight for this club,” said Tiatia.

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United Rugby Championship

Zebre

11:45

24 Apr 26

Dragons RFC

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“I coached Terrell when he was younger and he debuted with me when I was coaching with Auckland in the NPC.

“He’s a good young Maori boy, has a clear identity and knows who he is, and will come here with open arms to learning and will submerge himself in the club.

“Terrell is someone I trust and who Dale (MacLeod) and I’ve worked with. He’s a good character, diligent around work and he’ll bring something different and is what we need.

“Now I’d like our community to really embrace him when he comes in, he is still young and only 25, and really get to know him. His actions will do his talking.”

MacLeod added: “Terrell is a team person first with some real good qualities.

“He’ll really add to our environment and add to our culture. He’s tough and uncompromising. I know how deep he can go into the well, and he carries well, tackles well.

“He’s the sort of player that will give us big numbers, both sides of the ball and most of all, he’s just a good man, first and foremost.

“I suppose if you look at any loose forward players in the world today, they’re all athletic, powerful, fast, and he fits that mix and very professional in everything he does,” he added.

“He’ll come and absorb what Welsh people are about and what Dragons are about, and he’ll add to that. He has a massive M?ori upbringing and heritage, he’s a proud man, and he will definitely add to our group and the legacy of the club.

“Terrell is a caring person – but he’s serious on the grass. The boys will love him, I know that. He’ll come here and earn the respect, which is important to him, and I know he’s excited about it.

“He’ll be his own man and he’s going to bring his own flavour, and it’ll be good for our group.”

Peita said: “I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Dragons RFC for the upcoming URC season. It’s a proud moment for me to represent such a passionate club with a strong history and loyal supporters.

“This move is about more than just rugby. I’m coming here not only to grow and develop as a player, but also to become a better person off the field.

“I want to contribute positively to the environment around me, learn from those within the club, and give everything I can back to the team. I’m also really looking forward to connecting with the wider community.

“Being part of a club means representing something bigger than yourself, and I’m committed to giving back and making a meaningful impact wherever I can. I can’t wait to get started, meet everyone, and give my all for the jersey.”