The off-season transfer period remains a critical phase for rugby clubs looking to reinforce their squads, and the Dragons franchise is certainly making its intentions clear through volume. Their latest announced signing, the thirteenth new face joining the side, is 28-year-old South African prop Robert Hunt.
Hunt brings valuable experience from the Southern Hemisphere and the United Rugby Championship (URC) itself. His career path in South Africa saw him represent the Leopards, Bulls, and most notably, the Cheetahs. It was with the Free State-based Cheetahs that he gained significant exposure to the URC, making his debut in the competition during the 2021/2022 season against Cardiff. He was also part of the Cheetahs squad that reached the URC final in that same season, earning a silver medal.
Securing a prop with URC experience is a technically sound move for any team competing in the league. Props are fundamental to the scrum, requiring a specific blend of power, technique, and durability – a position where experience directly translates to on-field stability. Hunt`s background suggests he is well-versed in the demands of the competition.
His arrival as the thirteenth recruit of the off-season certainly indicates a significant overhaul or expansion of the Dragons` playing roster. Whether number thirteen proves lucky remains to be seen, but the sheer volume of transfers points towards a deliberate strategy to build a deeper and potentially more competitive squad for the challenges ahead in the URC and other competitions.
Dragons supporters will be keen to see how the South African front-rower integrates with his new teammates and contributes to the team`s efforts when the next season commences. His signing adds both experience and a robust physical presence to the Gwent region`s pack options.
Gareth Pendleton