Dragons capture All Black Willis

The Dragons have signed former All Black Tom Willis and Highlanders forward Hoani MacDonald and the duo are set to arrive at Rodney Parade early next season.

The Dragons have signed former All Black Tom Willis and Highlanders forward Hoani MacDonald and the duo are set to arrive at Rodney Parade early next season.

Media sources in New Zealand confirm that the deals are complete, meaning the Dragons' recent scouting trip to the land of the long white cloud was a huge success.

30-year-old Willis, who has six caps for New Zealand, has captained the Chiefs in the Super 14 this season, whilst MacDonald has been hugely impressive for the Highlanders.

But the pair could miss the early part of next season due to existing commitments in New Zealand – both have Air New Zealand Cup duties.

The Dragons also made a bid to sign Dan Carter's All Blacks fly-half deputy Nick Evans, but the New Zealand press has reported the Blues Super 14 star wanted an astonishing £300,000 a year, so talks with the Gwent region collapsed.

A deal to take Evans to Leicester Tigers has also reportedly gone by the board with Magners League outfit Ulster battling with Guinness Premiership club Harlequins for his signature.

However, 16-times capped Evans is understood to be waiting for Carter to make a decision about his future before deciding where his loyalties lie.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has a rule which prevents the All Blacks selecting players plying their trade outside the country so, if Carter leaves, Evans could be persuaded to stay at home by the lure of the All Blacks number ten jersey.