Welsh-qualified prop Greg Bateman signed by Dragons

Dragons have confirmed the signing of Welsh-qualified prop Greg Bateman with immediate effect.

Bateman will join Dragons from Leicester Tigers after being part of the Welford Road based side since 2015 making 92 appearances for them. He left the Tigers in July after failing to agree to the new contract after the season was disrupted by the pandemic coronavirus.

The 31-year-old started his professional rugby career with Dorking in 2011 and had also represented London Welsh and Exeter Chiefs in the past.

"I'm excited to get started with Dragons." said Bateman.

"Having spoken to Dean, there is a very clear path and vision for the region and I'm really keen to be a part of it.

"It's a new challenge for me. I've played against lots of Guinness Pro14 teams before and I'm now looking forward to being part of a really strong competition.

"It's clearly an exciting time to be a Dragon. You can feel the positivity around the region and I can't wait to now throw myself into the set-up."

He will now join the likes of Jamie Roberts, Nick Tompkins, Jonah Holmes and Joe Maksymiw in the new signing made by Dragons. His eligibility with Wales came through his Welsh grandmother, who had legally adopted his mother but he could not quite play for the national side due to the old World Rugby regulations. However, with the amendment of regulation 8, he is now eligible to be part of Wayne Pivac's side.

“We’re pleased to welcome Greg to our region and look forward to him making a big impact in our environment,” said Dragons director of rugby Ryan.

“He is vastly experienced from his time in the English Premiership and he will intensify competition for places up front while helping our young front row players develop.”