Dragons Acquire Prop Latu Following Brown’s Surgery

The Dragons rugby team has secured the services of Tonga prop Paula Latu on a temporary contract. This signing provides cover for Wales tight-head Leon Brown, who is currently sidelined following neck surgery. Latu participated in the 2023 World Cup, an event Brown was unable to join. Brown has made three appearances for the Dragons during the current season. However, an injury prevented him from participating in Wales’ autumn international matches, which included losses to Fiji, Australia, and South Africa. The 28-year-old has accumulated 24 international caps for Wales. His last start in a Test match was in February 2024, during the Six Nations defeat against France. Following that injury, Brown was absent for the remainder of the season. His playing time was subsequently managed at the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign. Consequently, he was not selected by Wales for the autumn internationals. Brown is now expected to be out of action for an undetermined duration. This week, Luke Yendle also underwent knee surgery, meaning Chris Coleman and Dmitri Arhip are the sole fit senior tight-head props available in the Dragons’ roster. The combined unavailability of Brown and Yendle prompted the Dragons to acquire Latu from the New Zealand team, Southland Stags. Latu, who is also capable of playing loose-head prop, has earned five international caps for his nation. His debut occurred in 2023 during a World Cup warm-up fixture against Canada. The 28-year-old was a substitute in Tonga’s victory over Romania at the 2023 World Cup and also featured in three replacement roles during the 2024 autumn internationals. Dragons’ interim head coach, Filo Tiatia, stated, “We’re pleased to have Paula with us.” Tiatia added, “He arrived Monday, linked up with the group, and he will be a good signing for us.” He further described Latu, saying, “Paula is a ball-carrying prop, but he can also play. He’s an athlete and a young man still learning his craft who we can work with.” Tiatia also noted, “[Dragons forwards coach] Sam Hobbs has looked closely at him and likes what he sees, so it’s an opportunity for Paula.”