Gwent Dragons 2013/14 thread

by Guest Tue Jun 18, 2013 7:24 pm

First topic message reminder :

A place for general Dragons chat, etc.

After renewing my season ticket recently, and with Lyn Jones being unveiled as the new DoR (yeah I know, some people thinks he's gash, but whatever), plus the training facilities at Ystrad Mynach, I feel a bit of a buzz and optimism around the Dragons. Saying that I do generally get a feeling of optimism pre season every year which usually goes by about mid October!

Just watched the Wales U20's get to the final of the Jnr World Championships and a couple of lads looked really good - Jack Dixon a rock in midfield, Hallam Amos an elusive runner at FB/wing and Ieuan Jones looking like a very good prospect at 8. Will be good to see how the go next season for the Dragons. I think their regional appearances have certainly helped them in this Jnr cup in terms of experience. Looking forward to seeing them play with the likes of Faletau, Coombes, Talei, T Rhys Thomas, etc. next season.

Anyone want to make a stab at our strongest matchday 15/23 for next season? Will have a stab myself after a bit of thought.

by Scrumpy Tue Apr 22, 2014 1:40 pm

I turned off at half time Gwent Dragons 2013/14 thread - Page 14 3933776953

by Guest Tue Apr 22, 2014 2:42 pm

The Saint wrote:It is what it is, someone else will be losing out on home advantage next year too.

Us and Cardiff again is my understanding of it, only we will rotate to play the teams we played last season (Us V Scarlets and Cardiff v Ospreys).

by munkian Tue Apr 22, 2014 2:46 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
The Saint wrote:It is what it is, someone else will be losing out on home advantage next year too.

Us and Cardiff again is my understanding of it, only we will rotate to play the teams we played last season (Us V Scarlets and Cardiff v Ospreys).

That's what I thought as well, home advantage used to be huge to us, how can we attempt to re-build a fortress when we give it up ?

by XR Tue Apr 22, 2014 3:17 pm

munkian wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:
The Saint wrote:It is what it is, someone else will be losing out on home advantage next year too.

Us and Cardiff again is my understanding of it, only we will rotate to play the teams we played last season (Us V Scarlets and Cardiff v Ospreys).

That's what I thought as well, home advantage used to be huge to us, how can we attempt to re-build a fortress when we give it up ?

Which is why this needs to be the season opener. Get it up and done early as the big curtain raiser to the season and it will still leave space for the xmas derbys and an end of season derby.

Having this at the end of the season is not the best, as has been said the dregs consider RP to be their 16th man. What if this had european cup conetations? What if the dregs needed to beat the O's for a place in this competition. At home, at RP you'd say they'd be up for it and so would the crowd. At the MS that intensity and pressure gets lost.

Make it a season opener and get things going that way.

by bedfordwelsh Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:37 pm

gcBlues wrote:
munkian wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:
The Saint wrote:It is what it is, someone else will be losing out on home advantage next year too.

Us and Cardiff again is my understanding of it, only we will rotate to play the teams we played last season (Us V Scarlets and Cardiff v Ospreys).

That's what I thought as well, home advantage used to be huge to us, how can we attempt to re-build a fortress when we give it up ?

Which is why this needs to be the season opener. Get it up and done early as the big curtain raiser to the season and it will still leave space for the xmas derbys and an end of season derby.

Having this at the end of the season is not the best, as has been said the dregs consider RP to be their 16th man. What if this had european cup conetations? What if the dregs needed to beat the O's for a place in this competition. At home, at RP you'd say they'd be up for it and so would the crowd. At the MS that intensity and pressure gets lost.

Make it a season opener and get things going that way.

gc,

Good idea I have been lucky enough to go to the London season opener and its great day out, I have said in the past that if marketed properly this is a good idea. Best time (in theory) would be nearest Saturday to St Davids day but that falls within the 6 Nations window so the big names wouldn't be available and marketing would be nigh on impossible.

by munkian Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:33 am

Prydie and Ashley Smith re-sign contracts for 3 years

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/11164974.New_Dragons_deals_for_Ashley_Smith_and_Tom_Prydie/

by Guest Wed Apr 23, 2014 10:53 am

Great news. I had hoped Ash would be one of the re-signings. He's the nearest thing we have to an attacking centre and it's good to see him being kept on (local boy too). I didn't really think Lyn was overly a fan of him until he started playing a bit more recently.

by munkian Wed Apr 23, 2014 11:14 am

He struggles with injury though, could have been a factor,

I do like Prydie but he needs to push on a bit, worried he was capped too young and living off that

by munkian Wed Apr 23, 2014 3:15 pm

11 Young Dragons named in Wales U20s squad

Good work lads, Elliot Dee, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos and Jack Dixon included.

by XR Thu Apr 24, 2014 11:33 am

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-rugby-star-ian-gough-7027471

What on earth is Goughy up to?

by munkian Thu Apr 24, 2014 12:16 pm

Oh FFS...

by XR Thu Apr 24, 2014 12:28 pm

While not a funny subject, you do have to wonder why he was even at a house owned by Dane Bowers!

by munkian Thu Apr 24, 2014 1:35 pm

Going twos on a bastard ?

by XR Thu Apr 24, 2014 2:01 pm

Haha!

Dane Bowers and Goughy going twos up, what are the chances? Goughy, like the true pro he is, was doing all the grunt and unseen dirty work and putting in a shift.

by munkian Thu Apr 24, 2014 2:15 pm

Yup, that was def sick in my mouth then

by Scrumpy Thu Apr 24, 2014 2:19 pm

She looks rough!
He must have been 'out of his mind!' Wink

I've seen better than that in Wales.

by bedfordwelsh Sat Apr 26, 2014 9:59 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Great news. I had hoped Ash would be one of the re-signings. He's the nearest thing we have to an attacking centre and it's good to see him being kept on (local boy too). I didn't really think Lyn was overly a fan of him until he started playing a bit more recently.

Have always said that we have looked better when Smith plays but he does pick up a lot of knocks and misses a lot of the season.

by dragon4life Tue Apr 29, 2014 4:01 pm

Steff going out on loan

by munkian Tue Apr 29, 2014 4:17 pm

dragon4life wrote:Steff going out on loan

Saw that too, doubt he'll be back soon, apparently we are courting a Ponty 10

by dragon4life Tue Apr 29, 2014 4:33 pm

I think we have 2 in the u20s. Ethan Davies and Obrien I think. Dorian Jones aswell so we should be fine. Steff never really stepped up to regional level and hasn't been given a chance this season. Last season he was linked to London Wasps which shows how prpmising he was

by munkian Tue Apr 29, 2014 4:37 pm

Maybe due to his attitude too, a few bitter posts on twitter etc

by dragon4life Tue Apr 29, 2014 8:47 pm

Probably, he was also inconsistamt

by Guest Tue Apr 29, 2014 9:31 pm

Think it says a lot for the level he is moving to. Same as Robling.

We do have the two at Keys aye. Dorian has been involved with the Dragons already (leading to the predictable Father favours talk) and Angus O'Brien is pretty highly thought of at the Keys.

It speaks volumes for me that Steff is now considered as a fullback when he is playing for the Keys.

by Guest Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:30 am

Pretty good read from Lyn Jones' interviews yesterday

Lyn Jones wrote:What do you focus on before game?

Good question.

I would like to think as club we have bottomed out. In regards to performances. I don’t mean for now. I mean forever. It takes time from where Gwent has been to where it wants to go. It’s recognising qualities to take us off bottom. It’s getting right ppl in room.

Against Ospreys I felt qualities we showed earlier in year were back.

Desire is one of the main ingredients to be a sportsman.

Ospreys harassed us forced us into errors. Team talk will be pride and passion but playing accurately to sustain pressure and score points.

We’re focusing on improving culture at club. If it improves results will look at itself.

Lyn Jones wrote:Why has there been such a slide?

No we can’t pinpoint it. We have racked our brains and looked at everything we can.

First half of the season we enjoyed good performances and results.

There’s a mixture of many facets of our decline in performance.

The biggest reason more than anything is a big big big turnover in squad from this year to next.

I always feel it’s fair to let players know early. There’s been disruption in squad moving on and non-selection.

I always feel it’s best to front up to players.

It’s all about next year isn’t it? A two year programme to turn it round and get club to top towards where it needs to be.

It's not just about the Rabo, it's about supplying players for Wales.

Lyn Jones wrote:Lyn is asked about the 11 Dragons in the Wales U20 JWC squad.

He says: “Good work from our academy.

We need to use those boys to build our future.

We have a rich seam of talent and must allow them to grow and go on to play for Wales.

Lyn dips a chocolate bourbon biscuit into his coffee and says: “If you’re good enough you’re old enough.

There’s a group of Tyler Morgan's here we need to invest into and get them onto park.

The quicker they play, quicker they come through.

Lyn Jones wrote:A big question is thrown at Lyn Jones - How much of disappointment would it be to finish 4th region?

The wheels have completely fallen away from us.

A couple of players have lost form and it’s hurt us in performances and results.

The Edinburgh game here was particular disappointment.

I can talk about all sorts but in situations like this, experience is all important.

It’s now for players to step up and show a bit more ownership.

We’re pretty confident the players will be able to enjoy and do what we want from them.

Mediocrity and bottom of league is not good. We need to reshape the squad and budget and create some sort of future here.

A future of being Gwent boys, playing for Wales and playing for the region at the best possible level.

Lyn Jones wrote:Dragons squad to face Scarlets

Backs: Hallam Amos; Kris Burton; Jack Dixon; Jonathan Evans; Wayne Evans; Will Harries; Ashton Hewitt; Steffan Jones; Pat Leach; Tom Prydie; Richie Rees; Lewis Robling; Jason Tovey.

Forwards: Duncan Bell; Nathan Buck; Andrew Coombs; Nic Cudd; Elliot Dee; Bruce Douglas; Lewis Evans; Owen Evans; Taulupe Faletau; Jevon Groves; Hugh Gustafson; Sam Parry; Phil Price; Matthew Screech; Rob Sidoli; T Rhys Thomas; Darren Waters; Dan Way; Nathan Williams

Tyler Morgan is apparently in too.

Lyn Jones wrote:At the Dragons, Lyn Jones was asked about the future of young flanker Scott Matthews.

He said: "We are talking to him to finalise deal.

"Want to give a chance to him."

Pretty interesting (I think). They also speak to TRT, which is also fairly interesting in terms of analysis and pretty funny when he talks about getting fat.

by munkian Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:35 am

Do we need more flankers ? We seem to have a few on the pay roll unless he is going to be completely brutal with the axe

by Stone Motif Wed Apr 30, 2014 1:04 pm

munkian wrote:Do we need more flankers ? We seem to have a few on the pay roll unless he is going to be completely brutal with the axe

Matthews is an excellent prospect. Much as I like Darren Waters he is too snappy at this level.

Lewis Evans and Andrew Coombs should be our sixes.

by munkian Wed Apr 30, 2014 1:47 pm

Do you think Talei will stay ?

by Guest Wed Apr 30, 2014 2:11 pm

Stone Motif wrote:
munkian wrote:Do we need more flankers ? We seem to have a few on the pay roll unless he is going to be completely brutal with the axe

Matthews is an excellent prospect. Much as I like Darren Waters he is too snappy at this level.

Lewis Evans and Andrew Coombs should be our sixes.

I agree with the 7s. Darren is very abrasive, but does have rotten luck with injuries.

I'd be happy enough with Coombs at 6 and it might well happen with the South African, Goughy, Hill and Screech (plus Joe Davies?) all needing to play

by dragon4life Wed Apr 30, 2014 6:34 pm

Talei will stay imo and next season I would like to see Benjamin and Matthews playing more regularly great prospect

by Stone Motif Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:38 pm

I doubt Ieuan Jones would have gone if Talei was off. He's first choice 8 when Toby is off playing Cement Ball.

If we don't start playing Coombs back in his natural position then we will have done him an enormous disservice imo, he is a very good player whose career is being stalled being outmuscled in the second row.

by Stone Motif Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:49 pm

Ben Jefferies (of Pooler and the Dragons boards) has posted on Dragged Up that there is an announcement due on Friday regarding the branding of Newport Gwent Dragons. I wonder if it's that Lyn has mastered the 'N' word...

by Guest Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:33 pm

I don't think he'll get to grips with that.

I think it'll just be reference a survey or something to gauge people's opinions. Ben Jeffries has mentioned researching people's views and I've seen little/none yet.

by munkian Thu May 01, 2014 8:44 am

Risca Rev wrote:

I don't think he'll get to grips with that.

I think it'll just be reference a survey or something to gauge people's opinions. Ben Jeffries has mentioned researching people's views and I've seen little/none yet.

From a Dragon’s PR bloke in response to out season ticket questions on Dragged up

Hi all,

I'm sorry to hear of these difficulties you are receiving.

To update you, we are planning to launch season tickets at the Treviso game with an application form given to you as you arrive to Rodney Parade.

The season tickets will be amongst the cheapest ever since the formation of Newport Gwent Dragons.

I won't be posting on here frequently but just wanted to say we do read this forum and take all of your views on board. I apologise again for any difficulties you may have had.

Many thanks,

Ben.

Also

Thank you all.

I won't be able to respond to your questions directly more than likely - even wild rumours about the future of the Rodney Dragon! I'm sorry for this.

The only other thing I can say is keep an eye on the Dragons media channels on Friday, it relates to the brand of Newport Gwent Dragons for next season and I hope it is something you will find very positive indeed.

Unfortunately I won't be able to post anything further for now but thank you again for your feedback and we will keep reading with interest.

Thanks,

Ben.

by Guest Thu May 01, 2014 10:49 am

Oooooh. Hopefully a bit of money saved on the season ticket then.

Thanks for posting that though.

by munkian Thu May 01, 2014 10:56 am

No worries, hope they do a discount for a season ticket holder introducing a new buyer again

by Guest Thu May 01, 2014 10:58 am

Yes, I think I have to buy the wife one this year, so that would be nice. I'm not at Treviso, so if somebody could post info on here it would be appreciated (as I'll be on too limited an internet soon to browse the Drags website too).

by munkian Thu May 01, 2014 11:15 am

Dim problem. I'll update it

by Guest Thu May 01, 2014 12:51 pm

by munkian Thu May 01, 2014 2:34 pm

Fans to decide Dragons' logo

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/11186665.Fans_to_decide_Dragons__logo/

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are giving their fans the opportunity to choose a new crest.

This evening the Rodney Parade region will open a web vote that will run until 5pm on Tuesday to decide the logo for next season.

The options are being kept under wraps until the site goes live but the region are making no changes to their name and the current tail design will remain in some form.

The alterations will be to the typeface and the emphasis – one logo will focus on Dragons, another on Newport and there will be a third hybrid option.

“It’s a brand refresh in that it’s not going to be massively different but it will set the tone for the direction that we are going next season,” said commercial and marketing consultant Ben Jeffreys.

The region has already committed to changing the home jersey for next season which, like the current away shirt, will just feature the tail logo without any lettering.

The winning crest will be announced next Thursday and details of season tickets will be announced the following day with leaflets handed out at the final game on the season against Treviso on Saturday, May 10.

by Scrumpy Thu May 01, 2014 2:36 pm

Just go with Newports.

by GavinDragon Thu May 01, 2014 2:37 pm

'another on newport' picard

by munkian Thu May 01, 2014 2:43 pm

Ignoring the resident chode, I think its a good move.

by GavinDragon Thu May 01, 2014 2:49 pm

I think it is a good move - I just hope we end up with a Gwent emphasis

it does make you wonder why they would allow the option of a newport emphasis? Anticipating superclubs in future?

by munkian Thu May 01, 2014 2:51 pm

GavinDragon wrote:I think it is a good move - I just hope we end up with a Gwent emphasis

it does make you wonder why they would allow the option of a newport emphasis? Anticipating superclubs in future?

The current logo has a Newport emphasis though (when in English)

They are giving us the choice of staying with something similar, a focus on the Gwent part or equal berth

by GavinDragon Thu May 01, 2014 3:35 pm

true, heres to a Gwent emphasis logo Very Happy

by munkian Thu May 01, 2014 3:39 pm

I'd rather just 'Dragons' but hey ho

by Guest Thu May 01, 2014 4:42 pm

It's a Dragons emphasis isn't it, as opposed to Gwent? I know fine well that the a few of the Newport "characters" will vote for the Newport orientated one, but I hope common sense occurs here and we go for the most neutral one (which will be the Dragons one I think), as the Newport one will be too Newport and I suspect the hybrid will be a mess.

The original Argus piece has now been edited and removed this

Arseguff wrote:The region has already committed to changing the home jersey for next season which, like the current away shirt, will just feature the tail logo without any lettering.

I don't see why we can't just leave the logo and do this, to be honest.

by munkian Thu May 01, 2014 4:48 pm

I think Gwlad will do their best to vote for the 'worst' one Rolling Eyes

by Guest Thu May 01, 2014 4:55 pm

I would love it if they did the vote, but just went for the most neutral one anyway. Otherwise it is just open to idiots sabotaging it.

by Cardiff Dave Thu May 01, 2014 4:55 pm

munkian wrote:
NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are giving their fans and everybody else in the whole world that has internet access, the opportunity to choose a new crest.

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