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Wales back row Aaron Wainwright waved goodbye to Rodney Parade when he played in his final home game for Dragons against Edinburgh on Saturday.
The 28-year-old has made 137 appearances for the club since his debut in 2017 but is making the move to Leicester Tigers for the 2026-27 season.
The number eight did not mark his final home game with a victory, as Scottish international Duhan van der Merwe helped secure a 24-15 victory for Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Dragons fans were invited on to the pitch for a post-match presentation honouring Wainwright for his contributions to the club.
“I think tonight summed it up really well. Seeing so many fans here and them being able to come out on the pitch afterwards just shows how tight this club is,” Wainwright said.
“It was a special occasion for me tonight being my last home game here. I think going into next year, [there are] plenty of positives for the Dragons.
“Hopefully they keep the momentum going from what we’ve done this year because we’ve had some real good wins over the course of the season.
“Hopefully they can give the fans more to get behind next year.”
Huw Evans Picture AgencyDragons have now lost two on the bounce, after last week’s tight loss away at Montpellier in the Challenge Cup semi-final.
Despite this, Wainwright commended the Dragons fans for their support throughout his nine years at the club.
Many supporters even came dressed up as the Wales number eight, emulating his famous blond mullet.
“It was awesome having the fans on the pitch. Very hectic as well,” Wainwright said.
“I spoke in the week about having that connection with the fans after the games. Even though we lost tonight, they were still in full voice and that’s what it’s been like over the course of my career here.
“No matter what the scorelines have been, no matter what peaks and troughs we’ve gone through, the fans are always here cheering us on and supporting us.
“So I can only thank them for sticking by us for so long. They’ve been awesome.”
Wainwright will play his final game for Dragons on the final weekend of the URC season in a Welsh derby away to Scarlets on 16 May, before making his move to Leicester in the summer.
He joins his Welsh team-mates Jac Morgan and and Dewi Lake in moving to the English Prem, with the Ospreys duo joining Gloucester at the end of the season.
Wainwright is excited by the prospect of challenging himself in England.
“There is a load of history there at the club [Leicester] which was a major attraction for me. The way the Premiership is played week in, week out, the love of competition there,” said Wainwright.
“Hopefully I can add to what they’re already doing there at Leicester and it can help take my game to the next level.
“I’m really excited about getting started in this next chapter of my career.”
Wainwright has also drawn praise from Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia, who says Leicester are lucky to have the Welsh number eight.
“He’s a champion of a man. He’s very unique, softly spoken. We’re going to miss him,” said Tiatia.
“We wish him all the best going to Leicester Tigers and they’re very lucky to have got him.”
