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The Dragons have announced their departure list ahead of their final home game of the season
The Dragons have confirmed their departures list ahead of their final home game of the season.
Wales international Aaron Wainwright’s move to Leicester Tigers was confirmed some time ago, with the Wales No. 8 about to bring down the curtain on his time at Rodney Parade this weekend. The 28-year-old, who has played 136 times for the Men of Gwent, will play his final home match for the Dragons against Edinburgh on Saturday.
However, the club have confirmed another centurion will leave.
Hooker James Benjamin will call time on his career, having played 102 times for the Dragons.
During his time, the Wales Sevens international also featured in the back-row and centre – with Bernard Jackman having mulled over using him in midfield.
After 13 seasons with the club, Benjamin will hang up his boots – having made one appearance this season.
“Jumbo’s been great to work with,” said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia about Benjamin. “I’ve only worked with him, this is our second season together and what I have seen is that, he’s a very caring man.
“The way he coaches our academy programmes here and he’s a man of Gwent that his superpower really is around empathy and also he cares a lot around the group, even just when we’re doing drills and training he’s the last one to leave the field.
“He cleans up, he does some of the dirty stuff that people don’t see, on the field and off the field. “He understands the DNA of the Gwent mentality but also just the essence of what this club stands for.
“He’s played over 100 games for the club. Tactically very smart, he reads the game really well. He’s played in the midfield, he’s played flanker and he’s a hooker.
“He’s a good man, a top man.”
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Wales international Mackenzie Martin will leave the Dragons, having played four times this season, as his loan deal from Cardiff expires.
He has signed a deal with French club Beziers for next season.
Wing Ewan Rosser, prop Luke Yendle, scrum-half Niall Armstrong and hooker George Roberts are the Dragons’ other leavers at the end of this season.
The likes of Cebo Dlamini, Wills Austin, Solomone Funaki and Steve Cummins all departed earlier in the campaign.
“I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Dragons RFC to thank those leaving us at the end of the season for the commitment and professionalism they’ve always shown throughout their time at Rodney Parade,” said Tiatia.
“Players such as Aaron and James have played over a century of games for the club and will leave a lasting impression with their impact and performances.
“We wish all those leaving us every success moving forward and will aways warmly welcome them and their families back to Rodney Parade in the future.”
Dragons RFC 2025/2026 Leavers:
Aaron Wainwright, James Benjamin, Luke Yendle, Ewan Rosser, Niall Armstrong, George Roberts, Mackenzie Martin
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