**Rodney Parade has been a hive of activity in recent weeks, with a long list of players and coaches signing on the dotted line ahead of next season.** And it appears there could be more good news, with the [South Wales Argus reporting](https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/18466502.dragons-line-connacht-lock-joe-maksymiw/) that Welsh-qualified lock Joe Maksymiw is close to joining the region from Connacht. Maksymiw arrived at Connacht from English giants Leicester Tigers two seasons ago and has made 15 appearances this year. The 24-year-old has been in talks with the Dragons for some time and the paper reports he is a long-standing target for Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan. At 6ft 8ins, he will certainly add extra ballast to the pack, while it appears Connacht have already moved to replace him after they announced the signing of 22-year-old Oisin Dowling. Maksymiw is likely to replace Cory Hill, who is reportedly set for a move back to the Cardiff Blues. Staying in Wales and, while Maksymiw seems to have strengthened his chances of an international career, [Wasps’ Thomas Young has all but ended his](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wasps-flanker-thomas-young-makes-18282463). The flanker, who has three caps so far, has opted to sign a new contract with the English Premiership team, ruling him out of international consideration.
