Gwent Dragons 2015/16 thread

by dragon4life Wed Oct 22, 2014 2:17 am

First topic message reminder :

3 in Wales squad that would have been 4 if tyler was fit

by Cardiff Dave Wed Jul 15, 2015 5:33 am

Steffan wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Chief exec bog checker...snigger.
Will he be doing the same when the A side go off roading around the region?

"The day of the European game against the Blues I was in here at 9 o’clock in the morning inspecting toilets because if my standards aren’t high in terms of what we offer to the match-day gathering, then why should anyone else care?"
'Newport RFC committee in vote of no confidence with toilet cleaners' story to be run in the Western Mail tomorrow I reckon

Stop taking the pi$$ Steff and no Club Tropicana, drinks are free jokes either. Very Happy

by Steffan Sun Jul 19, 2015 11:32 pm

Andy Powell's parting shot at Newport Gwent Dragons

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33579990

by bedfordwelsh Mon Jul 20, 2015 1:14 am

I initially thought he was a good signing but if he had put his money where his big mouth is and done his talking on the pitch then he may have played more.

by Steffan Mon Jul 20, 2015 1:23 am

bedfordwelsh wrote:I initially thought he was a good signing but if he had put his money where his big mouth is and done his talking on the pitch then he may have played more.

Ah well he is off to bigger and better things now so you must be pleased for him

by GavinDragon Mon Jul 20, 2015 2:02 am

Kind of agree with him that there were some bizarre selections last year

by Guest Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:48 am

Yes there were.

by Cardiff Dave Mon Jul 20, 2015 10:19 am

Trouble at mill?

by GavinDragon Mon Jul 20, 2015 5:29 pm

I don't think so really. Think lyn has probably sidelined any players senior enough to show dissent like Powell and rees. None of the coaches sons are good enough though

by bedfordwelsh Mon Jul 20, 2015 7:31 pm

Don't think any of them involved Powell though he just didn't put in the performances. Has Rees been kept on in the academy?

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Jul 28, 2015 1:54 am

GavinDragon wrote:I don't think so really. Think lyn has probably sidelined any players senior enough to show dissent like Powell and rees. None of the coaches sons are good enough though

The one player who I thought looked sharp when he played was Rhys Jones at full back, but he was the son who played the least!

by munkian Tue Jul 28, 2015 2:09 am

I think Dorian gets a lot of undeserved stick to be honest. He's had some very good games - he's more consistent than Tovey too

by Steffan Tue Jul 28, 2015 5:02 am

Hopefully this Faletau business will sort itself out by the end of the week

It's dragging on a bit now

If Bath cannot sort out a contract is there still a chance he could go to Cardiff?

by Fanster Tue Jul 28, 2015 5:18 am

Cardiff have tabled an offer havn't they?

Isn't that the reason Falatau would be considered 'wildcard' next year?

If the WRU were to offer a CC or DC would the Blues be next in line?

by Steffan Tue Jul 28, 2015 8:27 am

The legalised brothels in Pill that are planned might convince him to stay at Newport...

by Cardiff Dave Tue Jul 28, 2015 8:45 am

MARKETING & MEDIA MANAGER, Newport Gwent Dragons, £25k

"The Newport Gwent Dragons are looking for a Marketing & Media Manager to help drive the club’s brand and marketing programmes forward.
This is an exciting new role which will initially report into the Chief Executive Officer. The club is looking for an experienced marketing, media and PR professional who can devise, drive and implement long and short term brand, marketing and PR programmes, as well as managing a team of paid and voluntary marketing, media and PR staff."

http://www.newportgwentdragons.com/RugbyCMS/Uploads/Dragons/corporate/Marketing%20and%20Media%20Manager%20Job%20Description.pdf

by Cardiff Dave Tue Jul 28, 2015 9:02 am

Fanster wrote:Cardiff have tabled an offer havn't they?

Isn't that the reason Falatau would be considered 'wildcard' next year?

If the WRU were to offer a CC or DC would the Blues be next in line?

Supercalifragilistic!

by munkian Tue Jul 28, 2015 7:05 pm

Thomas Rhys Thomas has been appointed Dragons captain for the season.
Personally, I'd want Dee starting when fit.

by Guest Tue Jul 28, 2015 7:15 pm

Yes, I'm a bit confused by that. I would prefer the same. I guess he doesn't have to play to be in a captain's role as such, but for me it had to be Landman firstly for being one of our more influential players and secondly due to the fact he is one of our only guaranteed starters.

by munkian Tue Jul 28, 2015 7:17 pm

Surely the captain needs to be on the pitch ? Or is this a 'squad captain' rather than a 'team captain' thing ?

by Guest Tue Jul 28, 2015 7:24 pm

That's all I can assume it is.

by munkian Tue Jul 28, 2015 7:37 pm

Yup. Tough on Rynard for one moment of madness

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Jul 28, 2015 10:13 pm

It must be that moment of madness that's counted against him.

by munkian Tue Jul 28, 2015 10:15 pm

They wanted a Welshman to be Captain apparently.

by Guest Wed Jul 29, 2015 2:42 am

Dai Landman is soon to be WQ, so that's a bit of a lame excuse.

by Guest Wed Jul 29, 2015 2:43 am

Soon as in two years time.

by mikey_dragon Wed Jul 29, 2015 11:57 pm

BBC wrote:Forwards Keagan Bale, Leon Brown and Harri Keddie plus backs Barney Nightingale, Lloyd Lewis and Arwel Robson have all signed four year deals.

Bale, Keddie and Nightingale have all played for Wales under-20s.

Dragons Director of Rugby, Lyn Jones said: "All of these players are local Gwent lads and they have proven their talent throughout their time with the Academy."

I think these lads are more promising than the likes of AOB, Benjamin and all of the coaches sons (bar Geraint Rhys Jones whom I rate).

by Cardiff Dave Thu Jul 30, 2015 6:26 am

munkian wrote:They wanted a Welshman to be Captain apparently.

Nuts.
Shewerly the player best suited for the role should be awarded the captaincy.

by Cardiff Dave Thu Jul 30, 2015 7:07 am

THE Friends of N****** Rugby Trust will be holding their annual beer festival at Rodney Parade on September 19 and 20.
The event will run between 3pm and 11pm on the Friday, coinciding with the Black and Ambers’ Principality Premiership clash with champions Pontypridd (COTP!), and between 11am and 11pm when the first team host Glasgow in the Guinness Pro12 the following day.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/11430830.Dates_set_for_Rodney_Parade_beer_festival/

by Fanster Fri Jul 31, 2015 2:47 am

mikey_dragon wrote:
BBC wrote:Forwards Keagan Bale, Leon Brown and Harri Keddie plus backs Barney Nightingale, Lloyd Lewis and Arwel Robson have all signed four year deals.

Bale, Keddie and Nightingale have all played for Wales under-20s.

Dragons Director of Rugby, Lyn Jones said: "All of these players are local Gwent lads and they have proven their talent throughout their time with the Academy."

I think these lads are more promising than the likes of AOB, Benjamin and all of the coaches sons (bar Geraint Rhys Jones whom I rate).

Trust me when I tell you Bale is one to watch!!!

He has a hell of a skillset for a front rower, and fingers crossed can go all the way!

by Guest Fri Jul 31, 2015 7:20 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:THE Friends of N****** Rugby Trust will be holding their annual beer festival at Rodney Parade on September 19 and 20.
The event will run between 3pm and 11pm on the Friday, coinciding with the Black and Ambers’ Principality Premiership clash with champions Pontypridd (COTP!), and between 11am and 11pm when the first team host Glasgow in the Guinness Pro12 the following day.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/11430830.Dates_set_for_Rodney_Parade_beer_festival/

What a child.

by Steffan Sat Aug 01, 2015 1:31 am

Cardiff Dave wrote:THE Friends of N****** Rugby Trust will be holding their annual beer festival at Rodney Parade on September 19 and 20.
The event will run between 3pm and 11pm on the Friday, coinciding with the Black and Ambers’ Principality Premiership clash with champions Pontypridd (COTP!), and between 11am and 11pm when the first team host Glasgow in the Guinness Pro12 the following day.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/11430830.Dates_set_for_Rodney_Parade_beer_festival/

Oh so we get the Newport 'B' team on a Friday. I'm not keen on Friday games. Beer festival sounds good though

by Cardiff Dave Sat Aug 01, 2015 6:58 am

Griff wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:THE Friends of N****** Rugby Trust will be holding their annual beer festival at Rodney Parade on September 19 and 20.
The event will run between 3pm and 11pm on the Friday, coinciding with the Black and Ambers’ Principality Premiership clash with champions Pontypridd (COTP!), and between 11am and 11pm when the first team host Glasgow in the Guinness Pro12 the following day.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/11430830.Dates_set_for_Rodney_Parade_beer_festival/

What a child.

Aw be nice.

by Cardiff Dave Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:10 am

Steffan wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:THE Friends of N****** Rugby Trust will be holding their annual beer festival at Rodney Parade on September 19 and 20.
The event will run between 3pm and 11pm on the Friday, coinciding with the Black and Ambers’ Principality Premiership clash with champions Pontypridd (COTP!), and between 11am and 11pm when the first team host Glasgow in the Guinness Pro12 the following day.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/11430830.Dates_set_for_Rodney_Parade_beer_festival/
Oh so we get the Newport 'B' team on a Friday. I'm not keen on Friday games. Beer festival sounds good though

Ponty on Saturday, 2-30pm ko isn't it?

by Cardiff Dave Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:33 am

Oops, an article from last year.

by Guest Sat Aug 01, 2015 8:04 am

Dragons v Nottingham, pre-season friendly to be played in Ystrad Mynach at our training ground. I had a text and email invite. I'll pop along to this. Anyone else? However, I'm wondering - is this a kick in the teeth for Ebbw Vale? Or a good move? I suppose if the pitch is unplayable due to weather in Newport then it's highly possible that the weather will be as bad if not worse in Ebbw Vale, so trying out the new pitch and having that as a back up is a good idea. I remember the Wasps and Biarritz games (I think) we had to move to temporary 'homes' of PYS and Cardiff Soccer Ground a few years back due to an unplayable pitch and a rule that you have to fulfil the fixture no matter what. Dark times.:

"NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will start their preparations for the Guinness Pro12 by hosting Nottingham in Ystrad Mynach.

The Dragons will welcome the English Championship side to their training base for a fixture on the 3G surface on Friday, August 14 (kick-off 7pm).

The fixture will serve a dual purpose – to help Lyn Jones’ charges tune up for the league campaign and to test out the facilities at Caerphilly County Borough Centre for Sporting Excellence.

Head of Operations Mark Jones said: “EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) rules dictate that we need a back-up ground in the event of the pitch being unplayable. The excellent 4G pitch at Ystrad Mynach provides the Dragons with a fantastic back-up in the event of adverse weather conditions.

“The pre-season match against Nottingham will allow us to test drive those facilities and to take a game out into the region.”

The game will be open to the public with season ticket holders getting first chance to buy tickets, which start at £5 for adults with under-16s free.

Tickets are not available yet but 2015/16 season ticket holders are able to reserve their places on 01633 974990 or by emailing ticketing@rodneyparadeltd.com

The Dragons play the Scarlets at Rodney Parade on Friday, August 21 (kick-off 7pm) and Cardiff Blues at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, August 29 (kick-off 12.30pm). The Pro12 starts on the first weekend of September."

by bedfordwelsh Sat Aug 01, 2015 7:20 pm

Griff,

I have spoken to a few people in the know about why they didn't use ECP again for a friendly after last years which was deemed a success and there seems to be nothing sinister just they couldn't come to an agreement over dates, though as Ebbw are away to Moseley the night before the Nottingham game who knows.

by Stone Motif Sat Aug 01, 2015 9:04 pm

Griff wrote: I suppose if the pitch is unplayable due to weather in Newport then it's highly possible that the weather will be as bad if not worse in Ebbw Vale, so trying out the new pitch and having that as a back up is a good idea.

Quite obviously this. May as well designate a back up pitch in the Arctic as attempt to get a game on in north Gwent if there's bad weather.

by GavinDragon Mon Aug 03, 2015 3:14 am

also I imagine it costs the region nothing extra to stage a friendly at Ystrad as I imagine its use would be covered by our existing arrangement with CBC.

I imagine Ebbw would want a fee to use their facility which is perhaps where it fell down?

by Stone Motif Mon Aug 03, 2015 6:36 am

GavinDragon wrote:I imagine Ebbw would want a fee to use their facility which is perhaps where it fell down?

Absurd if so. I doubt the Dragons will be charging them for the free players they'll inevitably get this season?

by bedfordwelsh Mon Aug 03, 2015 7:38 am

How inevitably? We didn't get any last season.

by Stone Motif Tue Aug 04, 2015 1:23 am

bedfordwelsh wrote:How inevitably? We didn't get any last season.

You were also a lot less crap than you were expected to be.

I should imagine you'll get one or two academy if you keep up the good form. Plus your Saffer back if he's not played.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Aug 04, 2015 1:27 am

I imagine Meyer will play quite a bit if Morgan, Amos and possibly Dixon are away with Wales.

by munkian Tue Aug 04, 2015 1:27 am

As we are sans Byrne and missing Amos I blyddi hope he is our starting FB ! Keep Prydie on the wing out of the way Smile

*edit*

Actually, if Brew and Wardle are back give them a run out.

by Stone Motif Tue Aug 04, 2015 5:43 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I imagine Meyer will play quite a bit if Morgan, Amos and possibly Dixon are away with Wales.

Why, has his dad joined the coaching team?

by bedfordwelsh Tue Aug 04, 2015 7:28 am

[quote="Stone Motif"]

bedfordwelsh wrote:How inevitably? We didn't get any last season.

You were also a lot less crap than you were expected to be.

Lot less crap than others expected you mean.

by GavinDragon Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:17 pm

Stone will you be updating us on how the Newport RFC fans meeting goes tonight ahead of the AGM?

Are we likely to see the dragons branded in Black and Amber next season?

by munkian Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:32 pm

Hope not

by Stone Motif Wed Aug 05, 2015 1:29 am

GavinDragon wrote:Stone will you be updating us on how the Newport RFC fans meeting goes tonight ahead of the AGM?

Are we likely to see the dragons branded in Black and Amber next season?

At a loss why you think I'd be there....?

Steffan should go, he's the most ardent that Dragons = Newport on here.

by Steffan Wed Aug 05, 2015 1:39 am

I got tickets for the Wales game on Saturday (agreed to go while drunk) and I look forward to watching the whopping 3 players the mighty Dragons have contributed to the squad thumbsup

by munkian Wed Aug 05, 2015 2:14 am

Steffan wrote:I got tickets for the Wales game on Saturday (agreed to go while drunk) and I look forward to watching the whopping 3 players the mighty Dragons have contributed to the squad

So,

Dragons - 2 starters 1 on bench

Kerdiff - 4 on bench

Turks - 1 starter, 1 on Bench

Ospreys - 5 starters - 1 on bench

Not exactly THAT bad is it ?

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