Dan Lydiate: Wales veteran secures move back to home region

Jared Wright
Wales flanker Dan Lydiate has secured a move back to his home region the Dragons ahead of the 2023/24 URC season following his release from the Ospreys.

Following his release from the Ospreys, Wales flanker Dan Lydiate has secured a move to the Dragons ahead of the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship (URC) season.

Lydiate is a product of the Dragons Academy and played 85 times for the side between 2006 and 2013 – captaining the club on several occasions.

The 35-year-old had a stint at Racing 92 for the 2013/14 season before joining the Ospreys.

‘Delighted’ to have Dan back

He returns to the Dragons after the Ospreys could not offer him a contract extension.

“We’re delighted that Dan is coming home to a club where it all started and to a place that still means a huge amount to him,” Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan said.

“Dan has enjoyed a fantastic career, playing at the very highest level, and he comes back at Dragons having recently produced some of his finest rugby – a fact underlined by his recent call-up by Wales.

“Dan remains hugely ambitious and still wants to achieve in rugby and be a huge asset to us.

“He is undoubtedly a leader, someone who sets the best standards, while his vast experience and approach to the game can only be of huge benefit to our young squad.

“We’re excited that Dan is a Dragon again, and from speaking to him, I know just how much he is looking forward to pulling that jersey back on and representing the Men of Gwent.”

Fond memories

Lydiate is vastly experienced, having played 65 Test matches and was named Six Nations Player of the Championship in 2012 and the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Player of the Year that same season.

He represented Wales at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and was part of the British & Irish Lions squad that toured Australia in 2013, featuring in all three Tests as the Lions claimed a 2-1 series victory.

“It’s great to be back. I have a lot of fond memories of my time here, and I’m determined to now add to that on my return,” Lydiate said.

“I’ve had a lot of good conversations with Dai about what he wants to build here, and he is one of the reasons I wanted to come back and sign.

“There is a good crop of young talent here, and now I’m back on board, I will hopefully add some experience, play my part and help them on their journey too.

“I’m looking to getting stuck in. There is no better crowd than Rodney Parade when it is packed out, and I can’t wait to play for them again and move this club forward.”

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