The 30-year-old moved to Scotland from the Blues along with
prop John Yapp for the start of this campaign, but says he is “looking forward”
to returning home.
He said: “I’d like to thank the coaches, staff and fans of
Edinburgh Rugby for their support this season. I’ve made some great friends
here and there’s a lot of talent who have the potential to be top class, and
I’d like to wish them all the best in the years to come.
“I remain totally committed to the club for the remainder of
my contract and look forward to returning to Wales and joining up with my new
club mates in a very ambitious Dragons side.”
Rees, whose former clubs also include Dunvant, the Ospreys
and London Irish, made his Welsh debut against England in the 2010 Six Nations
campaign and has been capped nine times, scoring his solitary try against
Australia in the 2010 autumn series.
Dragons head coach Darren Edwards believes that experience
will benefit his new club next season. He said: “We are delighted to be signing
a player of Richie’s calibre.
“It has been well documented that we have a great deal of
potential at scrum half in Jonathan Evans and an experienced game controller in
Wayne Evans. But we are looking to strengthen and make many positions in our
squad competitive to improve our performance.
“Richie is a proven competitor on both the international and
regions stage and has desire to come to the Dragons to make an impact.”
Edinburgh announced the move will enable them to provide
increased opportunities for Scottish talent at scrum half, where captain Greig
Laidlaw will lead the way.
Managing director Craig Docherty said: “There are a number
of young talented scrum-halves coming through the ranks at Edinburgh Rugby, who
we feel are ready to take the next step as senior professionals at the club. This
deal allows us to continue developing top quality Scottish talent, while
allowing a player of Richie's quality to pursue his career in his homeland.
“Richie is a lively character and has been a popular member
of the squad since his arrival in the summer, and we all wish him all the best
in Wales.”
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