Dragons sign back-row 'scrapper' Peita from Blues

Terrell Peita captained New Zea­l­and Maori at age-grade level [Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Boss Filo Tiatia has backed Terrell Peita to add a different dimension to Dragons' back row after signing the "scrapper" from New Zealand.

The 26-year-old is currently a member of the Blues' extended squad in Super Rugby and will join the Rodney Parade club in the summer.

Peita will be reunited with head coach Tiatia, who gave him his Auckland debut in 2019, and assistant Dale MacLeod, who he worked under at Northland.

The versatile forward is predominantly a number eight but Tiatia has stressed he is not a like-for-like replacement for Leicester-bound Wales international Aaron Wainwright.

"Terrell is a scrapper who will fight for things," said the head coach. "He is a physically robust loose forward.

"He will bring something different and is not Aaron Wainwright, I will put that on the table now and ask our community to embrace someone new coming in."

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Peita had a year in Major League Rugby with New England Free Jacks in 2022 and this season was rewarded for his form in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship with a call-up to the Blues squad.

"Terrell has aspirations to keep improving and is a good fit for what we need. He will whack guys, is a physical player and his actions will do the talking," said Tiatia.

"In terms of character, he ticks a lot of boxes and is diligent around his work. He is going to be a great addition to the group."

Peita is Dragons' second confirmed signing for next season with Tonga wing Anzelo Tuitavuki joining from Colomiers in France's second tier.