DRAGONS prop Aki Seiuli intends to muscle in on the duel between Wales internationals Rhodri Jones and Rob Evans after signing a new deal at Rodney Parade.
The 29-year-old loosehead was a firm fixture in Dean Ryan’s side after a late arrival from Glasgow last summer to replace stalwart Brok Harris.
Seiuli signed a one-year deal and has agreed an extension after playing more any other player in 2021/22.
The prop played in 21 of 22 games with the solitary game that he missed, against Edinburgh, being because of a fixture clash.
He was given permission to make his Samoa debut against the Barbarians only for the Twickenham fixture to be cancelled at the last minute due to coronavirus cases.
The Dragons have moved to strengthen their front row for next season by bringing in Wales internationals Jones and Evans from the Ospreys and Scarlets respectively.
However, Seiuli will remain to battle the new duo for action along with 23-year-old Josh Reynolds.
The front rower shares a house with Ospreys back Michael Collins and was a teammate of new recruit Sio Tomkinson at the Highlanders.
Seiuli enjoyed his year in Wales despite results and is confident of on-field improvement in the second campaign.
He said: “I’m really happy to be signing on and believe things will change next year, with the new signings building on the quality we already have.
“I’ve made some good friends over here and enjoy living in Wales. I’m also looking forward to playing alongside one of my good mates in Sio next season.
“I’m already looking forward to a better season next year because I know we have got the squad to do that.
“We have a great bunch of lads and a good group here who are all ready to go and do some good things next year, and that’s what has influenced me to stay on.”
Director of rugby Dean Ryan is pleased that he will be able to share the load on the left side of the front row.
“Aki has been a consistent performer for us who showed his durability by featuring in all but one fixture last season,” he said.
“We’re pleased that he will now remain with us and ensure we have depth and real competition for places in our front row.”
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