Dmitri Arhip

Dmitri Arhip (born 12 November 1988) is a Moldovan rugby union player who plays for the Dragons RFC at Tighthead Prop. He is also a Moldovan international.

Career

Early years Born in Camenca, Moldova he joined Kishniev Blue Marine, at 15 years old he moved to Romania to join Dinamo București, winning back to back national titles in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

He went on to join Enisei-STM in the Russian Rugby Championship, winning two league titles in 2011 and 2012. Enisei-STM travelled to Ireland in 2012 for pre-season friendly against Connacht where Arhip was spotted by Swansea based side Ospreys.

Wales career

Ospreys He signed as injury cover in the 2012-13 season for the Ospreys, as well as featuring twice for Bridgend Ravens. He scored his first try for the Ospreys in his first season in a clash against Newport Gwent Dragons. On New Years Day, 2016, Arhip won his 50th cap for the Ospreys against Newport Gwent Dragons.

Cardiff After 5 seasons with the Ospreys, he was set to leave to join Montpellier in the Top 14 on a €500,000 a year deal, however the deal fell through, Arhip was snapped up by Cardiff Rugby. Making his debut in the first round of the 2018-19 Pro 14 against Leinster. In February 2023, while playing against Benetton Arhip injured his Achilles, putting an end to his season. His contract ended in June 2023, with him injured he was unable to train and spent 8 months without a wage.

Dragons He began training on trial at Dragons RFC to help with his rehabilitation, he was signed as a short-term deal as injury cover in March 2024. The tight-head made his debut soon after at home against Zebre in a 20-13 win at Rodney Parade, making a total of five appearances before the end of the season. Arhip was given a new deal ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Honours

CS Dinamo București

Liga Națională de Rugby Champions: (2) 2006-07, 2007-08

Enisei-STM

Russian Rugby Championship Champions: (2) 2011, 2012 Runners-up: (2) 2009, 2010