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The four-cap international could be the latest young Welshman to head to France
Wales international Mackenzie Martin is close to a move to France that would put his Test career on hold.
The 22-year-old is currently on loan at the Dragons from hometown club Cardiff, having moved to Rodney Parade at the start of the season. Appearances for the Men of Gwent have been few and far between though, with Martin playing just four times.
Despite that, the Dragons are understood to be keen on keeping the four-cap No. 8 in Newport next season, with his current deal with Cardiff expiring this summer.
However, reports in France suggest a move to Pro D2 outfit Beziers is on the cards.
Midi Olympique report that Martin is close to joining the French club as a potential replacement for Otunuku Pauta.
WalesOnline understands no deal has been signed just yet, though.
However, sources suggest the young No. 8 could be open to a change of scenery after a rapid rise in Welsh rugby.
Martin was capped by Warren Gatland in the 2024 Six Nations, just weeks after making his senior debut for Cardiff.
Prior to that, he had been playing for Cardiff RFC in Super Rygbi Cymru.
The last of Martin’s four caps came against South Africa in the summer of 2024, with the No. 8 also being an unused replacement against Australia in Melbourne.
Martin later revealed to WalesOnline that he had learned of his uncle’s death on the morning of that Test at AAMI Park.
Martin hasn’t featured in a Wales squad since that summer tour.
He struggled for game-time at Cardiff in his first full season with the club, playing fewer than 100 minutes of rugby.
Instead, he once again turned out for Cardiff RFC in the SRC – leading to the loan move to the Dragons to reinvigorate his career.
Any move to France would end any hopes of a recall for the foreseeable – with Martin short of the 25 caps required.
Martin is the latest Welsh youngster to be linked with a move to France’s second tier this week.
Ospreys‘ uncapped second-row James Fender is close to signing a deal with Grenoble – although there is also interest from a couple of Top 14 clubs, while the Scarlets are looking at the 24-year-old
