Dragons sign Highlander MacDonald

Newport Gwent Dragons have recruited Kiwi back-five forward Hoani MacDonald from Super 14 side the Highlanders.

The 29-year-old from Invercargill has signed a two-year contract, and will start at Rodney Parade in September.

MacDonald played for the Junior All Blacks in 2006 and was recently named in the New Zealand Maori squad for the 2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup.

"This will be an exciting move and I'm looking forward to playing some challenging rugby," said MacDonald.

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"What another good signing for the Dragons"
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The flanker cum lock is the fourth New Zealander signed by the Dragons in the close season, following Tom Willis, James Arlidge and Grant Webb.

"It is important to ensure that we are signing the right type of players to join the Dragons," said Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins.

"There are certainly exciting times ahead for the region and the signings reflect the growing confidence here at Rodney Parade."

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