Tom Willis joined the Dragons on a 2-year deal in the summer of 2008 and was immediately made captain by Head Coach Paul Turner who was impressed by his experience and leadership qualities.
Dunedin-born Willis , who is also a qualified lawyer, had over 60 games experience as player and captain in the Super 14 before making the move to the UK.
On Saturday 8 June 2002 Tom Willis became the 1012nd All Black, starting in a 64-10 win over Italy in Hamilton. He went on to play four more matches for New Zealand that year, but then suffered a run of injuries, culminating in complications following back surgery in 2004 which forced him out of rugby for over a year.
Renowned for his professionalism on and off the pitch, Willis has led by example during his time at Rodney Parade. Although a calf injury sidelined him for much of the 2009/10 season, he has returned to fitness and is keen to lead the Dragons into European qualification.