Worcester scrumhalf heads to Wales
TRANSFER NEWS: The Dragons have signed experienced scrumhalf Luke Baldwin on a year-long loan deal from Worcester Warriors.
Baldwin – who has played in the English top-flight for Saracens and Worcester – moves to Rodney Parade with immediate effect.
🔀 Good luck to Luke Baldwin who has joined @dragonsrugby on a season long loan.
👉 https://t.co/ivBNP9a54Z pic.twitter.com/Q2QVrBanpf
— Worcester Warriors ⚔️ (@WorcsWarriors) July 4, 2019
The 28-year-old adds further depth to the senior training squad alongside Rhodri Williams, Tavis Knoyle and young starlets Dafydd Buckland and Dan Babos.
Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, said: “Luke is an experienced and talented scrumhalf who I know well from our time together at Worcester Warriors. He will give competition at scrumhalf alongside Rhodri and Tavis.
“There’s young Welsh talent at the Dragons, and we will give them chances to perform. However, it’s crucial for their development that they get their opportunities at the right time.
“We’re excited to see the impact Luke can have with us during this loan and thank Alan Solomons and Worcester for agreeing to a move which I know will benefit all parties.”
Tunbridge Wells-born Baldwin has made 36 appearances for Worcester, scoring four tries, since his debut in January 2016.
The livewire nine, who also had a short-term loan with Harlequins in March, was previously part of the Bristol side that reached the 2013/14 Championship final.
Baldwin began his career at Saracens and made five first-team appearances after signing his first professional contract with the side in 2010.
Baldwin said: “I’m really pleased that the loan has been agreed. It’s a fresh start and challenge for me so I’m hugely excited about the move to Wales.
“I know what Dean [Ryan] is about and saw firsthand the impact he had at Worcester, so I can’t wait to see what he can achieve with the Dragons.
“I’ve spoken to a few friends who’ve played in the Pro14 and they’ve all told me it’s a great league to be a part of,” he added.
“It’s a different style to the English Premiership and a new set of teams and opponents to face. I’m looking forward to that new test every week.
“I’m now just looking forward to getting back playing, enjoying my rugby and seeing what impact I can have both on and off the pitch.”
