Tuipulotu plays for Dragons - but will not be signed

Number eight Carwyn Tuipulotu played for Dragons in their pre-season game against Hartpury but will not be signing for the Rodney Parade club.

The 24-year-old has trained with Filo Tiatia's squad while hunting a new club after his summer exit from Pau.

Former Wales age-grade international Tuipulotu, who made 48 appearances for Scarlets, played for Dragons in the second half of their 81-12 win against English Champ side Hartpury on Saturday in Newport.

"It was about giving him a bit of game time but he will move on with our best wishes and hopefully this sets him up," said defence coach Dale MacLeod.

"He has some footage and fitness under his belt as opposed to trying to do it by himself."

Gwent-born Tuipulotu is the son of former Ebbw Vale and Tonga number eight Kati and the nephew of ex-Dragons back Sione.

He made 14 appearances for Pau after moving to France in 2025 and is now hunting his next move, but it will not be to Dragons despite the loss of Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright to Leicester.

The Rodney Parade club have signed back-row forward Terrell Peita, who is still currently playing for Northland in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

He will arrive for the second block of fixtures after the break for the Nations Championship to join Harrison Keddie and Shane Lewis-Hughes as senior options.

They are backed up by the senior academy pair of Evan Minto and Owen Conquer.