Dragons RFC
 | |||
| Nickname(s) | Dragons | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2003 | ||
| Location | Newport, Wales | ||
| Ground(s) | Rodney Parade, Newport (Capacity: 11,700) | ||
| Chairman |  Martyn Hazell | ||
| Coach(es) | Paul Turner | ||
| Captain(s) |  Tom Willis | ||
| Most caps |  Adam Black (134) | ||
| Top scorer | Ceri Sweeney (570) | ||
| Most tries | Gareth Wyatt (26) | ||
| League(s) | Magners League | ||
| 2008-09 | 9th | ||
| |||
| Official website | |||
| www | |||
The Newport Gwent Dragons (Template:Lang-cy) are one of the four professional Rugby Union teams in Wales. They are jointly owned by Newport RFC and the WRU and play all their home games at Rodney Parade, Newport. They play in the Magners League, as well as competing in the EDF Energy Cup and the Heineken Cup in the 2008-09 season [1]. The region they represent covers an area of southeast Wales including Newport, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly, with a total population approaching 500,000[2], and are affiliated with a number of semi-professional and amateur clubs throughout the area, including Welsh Premier Division sides Bedwas RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Ebbw Vale RFC, Newport RFC and Pontypool RFC[3].
Formed in 2003 as a result of the regionalisation of Welsh rugby, the team started life with a third-placed finish in the 2003-2004 Celtic League, narrowly failing to repeat their initial exploits the season after, ending it in fourth. The team has however struggled to match those early heights, finishing in the bottom three in the 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons. In 2007 they reached the semi finals of the European Challenge Cup, losing to French side ASM Clermont Auvergne 46-29 [4]. They are yet to have made the knockout stages of either the Heineken or EDF Energy cup tournaments.
History
Formation
They were formed on the 1st April 2003, following an agreement between Ebbw Vale RFC and Newport RFC, to form one of five regional rugby entities [5]. Fundamental disagreements between the clubs, [6] saw a period of arbitration, lead by the then Welsh Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett, which recommended the name "Gwent Dragons". On the 28th of July the side was launched under that name. [7] This prompted Newport RFC benefactor Tony Brown to withdraw his financial support for the region. However by the 21st of August Brown returned following Ebbw Vale chairman Marcus Russell's resignation and the side's name becoming "Newport and Gwent Dragons".[8] With the Welsh Rugby Union demanding an explanation for the changes, and acrimony between the two clubs[9] another agreement was struck, [10], resulting in the side officially becoming "Newport Gwent Dragons". On the 12th November 2003 the region's founding company "Gwent Rugby Ltd" entered into administration.[11] On the 27 November 2003 "Dragons Rugby Ltd." a new company was established to run the region, with both Newport RFC and the Welsh Rugby Union holding a fifty percent stake.[12]
2003-2005: Infancy
Under Mike Ruddock and his assistant Clive Griffiths Newport Gwent Dragons with a squad largely drawn from the Newport RFC and Ebbw Vale RFC sides of the preceding year, confounded their limited pre-season expectations. Despite starting their life in top-class rugby with a 35-11 defeat away to Llanelli Scarlets[13] it was to prove to be the region's most successful season so far. A 29-19 win over the Ospreys[14] was to prove more telling, captained by Andy Marinos the side remained unbeaten at home in the Celtic League and claimed the scalp of Stade Francais[15] in the Heineken Cup. Going into the final round with an outside chance of taking the title, the Dragons ended up finishing third in the Celtic League[16] WRU bosses were sufficiently impressed as to appoint Ruddock to the vacant Welsh coaching job in the summer of 2004[17]. Ruddock rewarded two of his former Dragons players, Hal Luscombe and Jason Forster with their first test caps on Wales's summer tour of Argentina rugby. Percy Montgomery also impressed Springbok selector enough to remind them of his international credentials, and earn a Tri Nations recall.
The following off season saw a marked change in direction at Rodney Parade. Gareth Cooper, Kevin Morgan and Ceri Sweeney were amongst a handful of players who joined the region in the wake of the Celtic Warriors being disbanded. Having originally agreed to replace Mike Ruddock as head coach, Declan Kidney decided instead to seek employment back home with Leinster. It was not until the 27 July 2004 that former Australian rugby league coach Chris Anderson was appointed, with Leigh Jones as his assistant. Another credible Celtic League campaign followed, finishing in fourth spot [16], the second highest Welsh region. The side's Heineken Cup could be viewed as a wasted opportunity, having beaten French Perpignan at home 27-14, defeat home and away to Newcastle Falcons put pay to any quarter final ambitions. Chris Anderson's contract was not extended beyond its initial one-year duration.[18]
2005: Paul Turner era
The region looked to Harlequins backs coach Paul Turner, a Welshman, as their new head coach.[19]. Turner would also have to contend with Percy Montgomery returning to South Africa [20] and Newport stalwart Rod Snow retiring. [21] Munster and Sale Sharks proved too strong in the Heineken cup[22] After finishing 8th in the Magners League, a 24-15 defeat[23] Overmach Parma in a play-off for the following seasons Heineken cup proved a new low for the region. EDF Energy Cup wins over Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints[24] were the highlights of a tough season. Turner remained, even if Wales international Hal Luscombe did not[25].
Former Wales captain Colin Charvis joined in August 2006 and the Dragons went onto a European Challenge Cup semi-final, losing comfortably to ASM Clermont Auvergne. Domestically though, the region's European exploits appeared to take their toll, slumping to a ninth-placed finish in the Magners League [26]. Significantly the region avoided the prospect of a second season away from the Heineken Cup, defeating another Italian side Calvisano 22-15. [27] The match also marked the end for departing Wales internationals Ian Gough and Gareth Cooper at Rodney Parade.
"I'm obviously pleased to be staying, it's the place where I grew up. I've done what I can in my first three years. Now we want to try to build a side so the region is strong going into the new stadium."
— Paul Turner on agreeing a two-year contract extension in January 2008.[28]
2007-2008 proved to be another challenging season for the region. Signings Andy Williams and Richard Parks were not able to help reverse the side's fortunes, with a Heineken Cup campaign that only saw one win against Italian side Treviso[29] and exiting the EDF Enercy Cup in the pool stages for a third year running. Between completing a double over Llanelli Scarlets on January 1[30] to defeating the Ospreys on May 6 [31], the region went without a Magners League win. Despite finishing as the lowest-placed Welsh side in the league[32] the region qualified for next season's Heineken Cup, without having to play off against Italian opposition[31].
Summer 2008 has the potential to be the busiest yet for arrivals and departures for Newport Gwent Dragons, with Welsh Internationals Ceri Sweeney[33] and Michael Owen[34] along with several other squad members having already been confirmed to leave Rodney Parade. In their place a host of New Zealanders including former All Blacks hooker Tom Willis, [35] and Welsh players including Ospreys pair Shaun Connor[36] and Tal Selley,[37] along with former Australia A centre Marc Stcherbina, signed on a one year loan from Cardiff Blues.[38]
Controversy
 |
The naming of the region has caused considerable turbulence.[39] The Newport Gwent Dragons are a new side created out of the restructuring of Welsh rugby and are meant to represent their designated region as is the case with the Cardiff Blues, the Scarlets and the Ospreys. Some in the Welsh rugby world, such as Welsh rugby legend Bobby Windsor, believed that including the name Newport would alienate some fans in the surrounding valley.[40] While much of the support in the larger Newport area support greater identification with the City of Newport and a continuation of the historic traditions of Newport RFC.[41] Several names were suggested but all were rejected by the WRU. In the end, the WRU decided the region's name for them, the "Gwent Dragons". The company set up to run the side entered administration before playing a game and as a result the word "Newport" was added to the team name. This was in response to the very poor reaction [42] to a 'Gwent Dragons' side in the region. This addition and choice of kit has added a greater Newport emphasis and has enabled the side to move towards greater equity to the position of Cardiff and Llanelli.[8]
The Newport Action Group, among others, claim the side has lost more supporters by including the name "Gwent" in its title. The crowds supporting the Newport Gwent Dragons averaged 5,154 for the 2005/2006 season,[43] whereas in the 2002/2003 season, Newport was Wales' best supported club and British rugby's fourth best with an average attendance of 8,302 - after English Premiership outfits, Leicester, Gloucester and Northampton.[44] Although controversy surrounding the naming of the region might be petty, rugby in South Wales is deeply divided among hundreds of historic rugby clubs with bitter rivalries. In the 2006-2007 season, attendance averaged 5,629 at Rodney Parade.
The general marketing by the club has been criticised by fans during the 08/09 season. With Heineken cup quarter finalists the Blues and Ospreys in such close proximity, fans voiced concerns in local media that the Dragons management failed to market the club effectively.
Home Ground
The regions ground is the 11,700 capacity Rodney Parade ground in Newport, with an agreement between owners Newport RFC and the region in place, for all regular season games to be played there [45]. Plans for a multi-million pound 15,000-capacity stadium with 13,000 seats were submitted on the 25th April 2008. Along with Rodney Parade, the region has also played pre-season games at Pontypool Park[46] and Pandy Park, Cross Keys RFC[47]. Although this has not occurred since playing a Gwent Premiership XV prior to the 2006-2007 season.
On the 1st May 2008 it was announced Guinness Premiership club Bristol would ground share at Rodney Parade until the completion of the re-development of their Memorial Stadium ground in Bristol in 2010 [48]. However on the 3rd June 2008 it was announced that the English club would be forced to delay their move for at least a further season [49].
Players and coaches of note
Current squad
Newport Gwent Dragons squad for the 2009-2010 season.[50]
Template:RU squad start Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad playerTemplate:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU squad player Template:RU combo squad end
* Joe Bearman is eligible for Welsh selection on residency grounds.[51]
Notable players
- See also: Category:Newport Gwent Dragons players.
Two Newport Gwent Dragons players, Michael Owen and Gareth Cooper were selected for the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. Michael Owen also captained the Wales national rugby union team for the 2005-06 Season.
Adam Black, Jamie Ringer and Peter Sidoli have all made over a hundred Newport Gwent Dragons appearances. Prop Adam Black was the first centurion in Dragons colours, achieving the feat along with flanker Jamie Ringer during the 2006-2007 season. The following season lock Peter Sidoli would also go on to break through the three figure mark.
Several players have been capped by the Wales national rugby union team while with the region; props Chris Anthony and Rhys Thomas, brothers Aled and Nathan Brew at wing, second row Ian Gough, wingers Gareth Wyatt and Hal Luscombe, number eight Michael Owen, full back Kevin Morgan, flankers Jason Forster, Richard Parks and Jamie Ringer, scrum halves Gareth Cooper and Andy Williams, outside half Ceri Sweeney and centre Andy Marinos. Of the current players second row Luke Charteris and hooker Steve Jones have featured in Wales test matches whilst with the region. South African full back Percy Montgomery, Tongan utility back Sione Tu'ipulotu and Canadian prop Rod Snow played internationally for their respective nations, while with the region.
Coaching staff
Newport Gwent Dragons were initially coached by Mike Ruddock who joined from Ebbw Vale RFC. Ruddock left to become Wales national team coach after just one season in charge. Irishman Declan Kidney was intended as Ruddock's replacement for the 2003-2004 season, but after just three weeks his contract was mutually terminated, deciding to return home to coach another Irish province Leinster instead. Former Australia rugby league coach Chris Anderson took over as head coach, and like Ruddock only stayed for a season.
Paul Turner has been Head Coach for three seasons since 2005. Leigh Jones has been an assistant to all three head coaches and is currently forwards coach, with Dai Rees as backs coach [52].
Long term team manager Jim McCreedy stepped down from his role at the end of the 2007-2008 season, being replaced by Robert Beale who left his role as Cross Keys director of rugby.
Lyn Jones was appointed attack coach in November 2008.
Current player Colin Charvis was appointed contact and defence skills coach for the 2008-2009 season[53].
In June 2009 Darren Edwards replaced Lyn Jones as attack coach.
Results and statistics
Celtic League
| Celtic League results | |||||||||||
| Season | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | BP | Points | Position | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 | 18 | 7 | 0 | 11 | 5 | 33 | 9th | ||||
| 2007-08 | 18 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 34 | 8th | ||||
| 2006-07 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 12 | 7 | 39 | 9th | ||||
| 2005-06 | 22 | 7 | 0 | 13 | 9 | 45 | 8th | ||||
| 2004-05 | 20 | 11 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 50 | 4th | ||||
| 2003-04 | 22 | 16 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 72 | 3rd | ||||
| Celtic Cup results | |||||||||||
| Season | Round | Match | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-2004 | 1st | Lost 40-6 to Llanelli Scarlets | |||||||||
| 2004-2005 | QF | Lost 19-46 to Llanelli Scarlets | |||||||||
Europe
| Heineken Cup results | |||||||||||
| Year | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | PF | PA | Diff | Points | Pool place | Play-offs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-04 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 67 | 146 | -76 | 9 | 4th | ||
| 2004-05 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 124 | 99 | +25 | 15 | 3rd | ||
| 2005-06 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 99 | 168 | -69 | 6 | 3rd | ||
| 2007-08 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 117 | 191 | -74 | 8 | 3rd | ||
| 2008-09 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 83 | 115 | -32 | 7 | 4th | ||
| European Challenge Cup results | |||||||||||
| Year | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | PF | PA | Diff | Points | Pool place | Play-offs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-07 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 211 | 79 | 132 | 25 | 1st | Lost SF to Clermont Auvergne[54] | |
Anglo-Welsh Cup
| EDF Cup Results | |||||||||||
| Season | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | BP | Points | Pool place | Play-offs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008/2009 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 3rd | ||||
| 2007/2008 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4th | ||||
| 2006/2007 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3rd | ||||
| 2005/2006 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 3rd | ||||
See also
References
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | My Club | NG Dragons | Dragons 22-15 Calvisano
- ^ Newport Gwent Dragons: Newport Gwent Dragons: Area Covered
- ^ Newport Gwent Dragons: Club Directory
- ^ European Rugby Cup : ASM Clermont Auvergne v Dragons
- ^ Welsh clubs finally agree over money - Telegraph
- ^ South Wales Argus - It's all out war!
- ^ South Wales Argus - Support the Dragons!
- ^ a b South Wales Argus - Brown'S Back - And It'S Now Newport And Gwent Dragons
- ^ South Wales Argus - It's off!
- ^ South Wales Argus - Can we get on with the rugby now?
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Welsh | Dragons enter administration
- ^ South Wales Argus
- ^ Magners League Official Website : Dragons Fire Snuffed Out
- ^ Magners League Official Website : Dragons Clip Ospreys Wings
- ^ European Rugby Cup : Stade Burned By Dragons
- ^ a b Magners League Official Website : Stat Attack - League table
- ^ WRU: Wales Coach Archive: Mike Ruddock: 2004 - 2006
- ^ South Wales Argus - Time for six sense - Jones
- ^ South Wales Argus - IT'S TURNER
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Welsh | Montgomery quits Wales for Sharks
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Welsh | Snow to retire at end of season
- ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005-06_Heineken_Cup
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Welsh | Dragons 15-24 Overmach Parma
- ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005-06_Powergen_Cup
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Welsh | Luscombe leaves Dragons for Quins
- ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006-07_Magners_League
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | My Club | NG Dragons | Dragons 22-15 Calvisano
- ^ http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/search/display.var.1991047.0.turner_sets_out_future_aspirations.php
- ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007-08_Heineken_Cup
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Welsh | Dragons 15-13 Scarlets
- ^ a b BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | My Club | NG Dragons | Dragons 18-10 Ospreys
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Tables | Magners League table
- ^ Sweeney completes switch to the Blues - WalesOnline
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | My Club | NG Dragons | Owen quits Dragons for Saracens
- ^ Newport Gwent Dragons: Four Major Signings Breathe Fire into the Dragons
- ^ Newport Gwent Dragons: Dragons Delight as Connor Returns to his Roots
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | My Club | NG Dragons | Dragons add Selley as new recruit
- ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ng_dragons/7501597.stm
- ^ South Wales Argus - Brown: I want nothing to do with `region'
- ^ Windsor mourns fall of Pooler - Wales Online Jul 5 2006
- ^ South Wales Argus - Brown's Back - And now it's Newport and Gwent Dragons Thursday 21st August 2003
- ^ South Wales Argus - Dragons hunt 'missing' fans
- ^ Magners League Official Website : Fixtures and Results Home Page
- ^ [1][dead link]</
- ^ South Wales Argus - Gwent Dragons ready to roar at Rodney Parade
- ^ Newport Gwent Dragons 7 - 31 Leeds Carnegie, 22/08/2003. Match Details
- ^ Newport Gwent Dragons 14 - 24 Gwent Premiership XV, 13/08/2004. Match Details
- ^ BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | My Club | Bristol | Bristol confirm move to Newport
- ^ BBC NEWS | England | Bristol | Delay over Rovers stadium plans
- ^ "Newport Gwent Dragons Squad". official site.
- ^ http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/search/4306992.Joe_s_big_Wales_tour_blow/
- ^ Newport Gwent Dragons: Management 2008/2009
- ^ Charvis ‘flattered’ to get a new role - WalesOnline
- ^ European Rugby Cup : ASM Clermont Auvergne v Dragons