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Dragons plunder New Zealand

Friday 09th May 2008

Tom Willis: Ready to change his career

A report in Wales says that the Dragons are set to announce the signings of four New Zealanders for their two-pronged assaults on the Magners League and Heineken Cup next season.

The South Wales Argus says that Japan international fly-half James Arlidge, hooker Tom Willis, lock Hoani MacDonald and number eight Grant Webb have all signed contracts to play for the Dragons.

The official announcement is not due until next week.

The recruitment was aided by Warren Gatland's know-how of the New Zealand game, and comes as a result of two trips made to New Zealand by Dragons coach Paul Turner.

Willis, a former All Black and the current Chiefs hooker, also played for New Zealand U16, U19 and Colts and only last week said he was looking forward to a career-changing move to the Dragons.

MacDonald has been in fine form for the Highlanders this year, while Webb is also a former Highlander, now playing at Ulster.

Arlidge played for Auckland, but then left to play in Japan and would have been in their World Cup squad last year had he not broken his leg.