By Gareth James
Dragons coach Dai Flanagan has claimed recent new deals reached by the club with some of their leading players proves they can hang on to their talent – even after they become established Wales internationals.
Flanagan believes the new contract agreed with flanker Taine Basham is indicative of the regionβs determination and ability to retain their best players, coming after new agreements in recent weeks for Aaron Wainwright and Rio Dyer.
Taine Basham has put pen to paper on a new Dragons deal. βοΈ#BBCRugby #Dragons pic.twitter.com/AXoGvEejDm
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) April 9, 2024
Basham was wanted by a number of clubs, including Saracens and the Scarlets, but has signed a new two-year deal to remain at Rodney Parade.
βWe want to keep our best homegrown talent in Gwent,” said head coach Flanagan.
“So news Taine has agreed a new contract will rightly be celebrated by all our supporters.
“We look forward to continuing to watch important international players make a big impact and be key figures for us,” said Flanagan.
“It has always meant a huge amount to Taine to play for Dragons – he is passionate about our club – and it has been great to see him show his very best form in recent games.
“Now his future is resolved, we look forward to Taine finishing this season strongly and building on his successful career with us.”
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Hear from Head Coach Dai Flanagan as he previews this weekend's clash π @UlsterRugby & gives a squad update including the return of Taine Basham! πͺ‡οΈ#WeAreGwentRugby pic.twitter.com/ZTTPSvANzV
— Dragons RFC (@dragonsrugby) February 29, 2024
Basham, 24, made his Dragons debut for the region in the Anglo-Welsh Cup tie with Scarlets in January 2018.
He made his senior Wales debut in 2021 against Canada and was part of the 2023 World Cup squad. He has won 17 Wales caps.
“As a Gwent boy, it means a massive amount to me every time I pull on the jersey,” said Basham.
“I now look forward with excitement to playing more for the Dragons, and hopefully reaching a century of appearances.
“My thanks go to our fantastic fans for their continued support. I can’t wait to get back out on the field at Rodney Parade and finish this final block of the season strongly.”
Northampton and Sale were also reportedly keen on signing Basham, even though he has had an awkward season with a drop in form and a four-game suspension following a sending off against Leinster.
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