'Moana Man of the Year' Solomone Funaki signs with Dragons

Moana Pasifika’s reigning Player of the Year Solomone Funaki has agreed to a deal with Welsh club Dragons for the 2024/25 season.

The powerful loose forward etched his name in the history books for Moana as the first player to score for the club in Super Rugby Pacific, and has captained the team on multiple ocasssions.

The 30-year-old is an established international player for Tonga, having competed in the 2023 Rugby World Cup after debuting for the nation in 2021.

Funaki brings versatlity and plenty of physicality to the Dragons, who currently have one win from four games in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

“I’m delighted to officially be named as a Dragon,” Funaki said. “Having spoken to Dai (Flanagan) earlier in the year about his focus for next season, I am excited to be a part of his team and test myself in the URC and play in front of the passionate fans at Rodney Parade.

“Special mention to the Moana Pasifika and Hawke’s Bay Magpies for the past few years, I have enjoyed every minute of it.

“I’m looking forward to a strong finish this Super Rugby season with my Moana family.”

The powerful forward’s talent had caught the eye of Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan.

“We’re excited that Solomone is moving to the Dragons and look forward to the massive impact we know he can make with us.

“He’s a tough and uncompromising man, someone who always wins collisions, and his ability to play across the back row will mean other players can thrive around him.

“I’ve spoken to a number of people who know and have played alongside Solomone and they have nothing but praise for him as both a person and performer.

“He’s a family man and a real leader of men, with international and Super Rugby experience. We look forward to Solomone making his journey over to us and wish him well in the remaining weeks of the Super Rugby season.”