Gwent Dragons 2013/14 thread

by Guest Tue 18 Jun 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 Guest Tue 21 Jan 2014, 8:15 pm

Really don't want Stankovich to sign. Have not been impressed with him since he blindsided Joe Rees in that LV game v Ospreys. Also, when I was trying to google what he did to remind myself, I found some ban he had for doing two daft things. Whilst we need a gnarly prop, we don't need a liability or an idiot thanks.

by Guest Tue 21 Jan 2014, 8:50 pm

Don't know if it's old news already mentioned elsewhere, but Will Harries and Adam Hughes are leaving the dragons at the end of the season. They're not having their contracts renewed. Both good squad players, with Hughes an under-utilised creative player at 13.

More players on their way or will we make do with what we've got (now that Byrne and Brew are in)? We do have the likes of Ashton Hewitt and the other youngster who's name escapes me coming through from the academy. Hewitt looked good against wasps for a young lad - aggressive and pacey. Got high hopes for him.

by dragon4life Tue 21 Jan 2014, 9:02 pm

IMO i would like the money from will and adam to be spent front 5 as i think the money would be best spent there. Also i really hope henson doesnt come

by Jhamer25 Tue 21 Jan 2014, 9:53 pm

If true, Adam Hughs was so under used
Why?

by Guest Tue 21 Jan 2014, 10:19 pm

Why was he under used? A bit like the James Hook conundrum I guess - horses for courses. Or to put it another way, coaches have their type of player and philosophy for the 13 shirt. Hughes is a more compact, strike running player who cuts lines and weaves his way through defences. Not a monster in defence. Often coaches prefer a blunt force player who has size, can smash through when straightening up and is good in defence. Leach fits that bill for us at the moment, and I guess is the type of player that Lyn Jones sees as a 13. Dixon has played 13 in that abrasive role too. I don't think Hughes fits the bill in that respect - but that's the way rugby is going generally!

by dragon999 Tue 21 Jan 2014, 11:32 pm

Jhamer25 wrote:If true, Adam Hughs was so under used

Why?

Adam hasn't kicked on last season or this, blighted by injuries & dare i say, too small for the current game plan along with wee Will Sad

by munkian Wed 22 Jan 2014, 9:12 am

Both Hughes and Harries have done well for the Dragons but injury has plagued them over the past few seasons, I guess Lynn is being ruthless where he can and saving some money

by munkian Wed 22 Jan 2014, 9:20 am

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10953749.Wales_hopeful_Sam_Parry_set_for_Dragons_exit/

FFS - really ? Do the other regions not have accademies ?

by Guest Wed 22 Jan 2014, 9:23 am

We're not short on hookers to be fair. I can see the logic in keeping TRT and Dee. Just hope it doesn't mean that the Goose at hooker experiment is going to continue.

Interesting that he didn't confirm Harries and Hughes' departures though.

by munkian Wed 22 Jan 2014, 9:28 am

Yes but how long does TRT have left in him ? Plus if we are going down the central contract route how much are we going to get for the odd 2 Welsh squad call ups ?

by Guest Wed 22 Jan 2014, 9:31 am

He's only 30, so could easily play for a good few years (at least 5). To be fair, we can't really influence Welsh squad call ups anyway, seeing as our players' form seldom gets rewarded as it is.

by munkian Wed 22 Jan 2014, 9:36 am

My worry is that Lyn is trying to just buy a team to try and get results and isn't building for the future - Dan Evans, Sam Parry, Adam Hughes, Ieuan Jones - all young talent - all going

by Scrumpy Wed 22 Jan 2014, 9:40 am

Does seem to be a strange thing to do munkian unless you are bringing in world beaters.

by munkian Wed 22 Jan 2014, 9:47 am

Which doesn't always work - i.e France

by Guest Wed 22 Jan 2014, 10:07 am

munkian wrote:My worry is that Lyn is trying to just buy a team to try and get results and isn't building for the future - Dan Evans, Sam Parry, Adam Hughes, Ieuan Jones - all young talent - all going

I do like Dan Evans, but I don't think he is as good as Byrne. Also, the chances are he would have wanted to move to the Ospreys anyway, if they are interested as rumoured. It also isn't confirmed whether we are releasing him or he has chosen to leave. Parry is not bad, but then we also need to develop Elliott Dee. Hughes isn't really anything more than a fringe player now and we have plenty of young backs as it is. Ieuan Jones is somewhat unproven too. I doubt he is trying to buy a team, as we don't operate with that sort of budget. We always get a host of players leave every season, so it's right that we do get rid of our fringe players like three you've mentioned.

by munkian Wed 22 Jan 2014, 10:24 am

Hmmm...Ok..in Lynn we trust (for now)

by Guest Wed 22 Jan 2014, 10:32 am

munkian wrote:http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10953749.Wales_hopeful_Sam_Parry_set_for_Dragons_exit/

FFS - really ? Do the other regions not have accademies ?

Are you bristoldragon from the Dragged Up site Munkian?! Or just a good copy and paster???

by Welly Wed 22 Jan 2014, 10:50 am

dragon4life wrote:I heard Boris Stankovich might be on bis way here

A very underrated tiger, maybe not a full blown starter but he doesn't go back in the scrum and will add experience esp for any younger lads.

Has always been ready to answer the call when tigers have needed him, doesn't do anything amazing like ayerza but it very good at the prop stuff.

Also wouldn't have cost you much.

by Impossible Standards Wed 22 Jan 2014, 10:51 am

Personally I would have liked to seen Hughes, Evans and I Jones stay. Hughes has had his fair share of injuries which has led to inconsistency in appearances. Under rated player IMO but we don't have the financial backing to just keep players and continue to buy in more. Lyn is looking at the pack now which really does need some consideration. We all know this has been the case since black, thomas and gough left and some players are going to have to make way. I'm not keen of Stankovitch, looking at the stats on the Leicester tigers website he seems to be winding down on his career over the last few years. I hope we use the money to get some decent props and I still think we need another 2nd row.

by munkian Wed 22 Jan 2014, 10:53 am

Griff wrote:
munkian wrote:http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10953749.Wales_hopeful_Sam_Parry_set_for_Dragons_exit/

FFS - really ? Do the other regions not have accademies ?

Are you bristoldragon from the Dragged Up site Munkian?! Or just a good copy and paster???

Busted

by Guest Wed 22 Jan 2014, 10:56 am

Impossible Standards wrote:Personally I would have liked to seen Hughes, Evans and I Jones stay. Hughes has had his fair share of injuries which has led to inconsistency in appearances. Under rated player IMO but we don't have the financial backing to just keep players and continue to buy in more. Lyn is looking at the pack now which really does need some consideration. We all know this has been the case since black, thomas and gough left and some players are going to have to make way. I'm not keen of Stankovitch, looking at the stats on the Leicester tigers website he seems to be winding down on his career over the last few years. I hope we use the money to get some decent props and I still think we need another 2nd row.

This is the big thing really, is at present it seems like all we are doing is announcing departures, but then when we announce some signings everybody's mentality will change (especially if we sign a couple of handy enough front five players).

by dragon999 Wed 22 Jan 2014, 11:23 am

You could argue the guys that are being let go (Dan Evans aside) haven't done much to warrant being given another contract - Lyn will build his squad & will be judged on that, he does not work on sentiment & rightly so.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 22 Jan 2014, 12:13 pm

munkian wrote:http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10953749.Wales_hopeful_Sam_Parry_set_for_Dragons_exit/

FFS - really ? Do the other regions not have accademies ?

Players move here, there and everywhere mun. It happens.

"Parry begain his rugby career at Llandovery RFC before joining the Scarlets Under-18s and then the Newport Gwent Dragons academy. He made his senior debut for Newport Gwent Dragons against Bath on 15 October 2011."

by youngguns6 Wed 22 Jan 2014, 2:10 pm

Ieuan jones is the biggest loss in my mind. He's been quality for us and still only 20. I hope he kicks on at the blues and should end up as back up 8 for Wales.

I can understand the others being let go although they have all been good players for us. Thought Hughes was going to push for honours before his injures.

We all know pur scrum has been usless but i cant beleive we have the worst 6 props in the league! Must be the collective, our locks arent the weightyest.

Couple of props and a lock please drive!

by munkian Wed 22 Jan 2014, 3:07 pm

Gutted Ryan Jones is going to Bristol, would've loved to see him in a Dragons shirt

by Guest Wed 22 Jan 2014, 3:24 pm

Is he confirmed to Bristol now? Holley was staying tight lipped, and they've since signed Ross Rennie who is a 6/8 like Jones isn't he? I might have missed the announcement though.

Jones would be a good signing as he's a man of gwent. However, he previously said he wanted to finish his career in Swansea so he didn't sound like he had much love for a move back home!

by bedfordwelsh Wed 22 Jan 2014, 6:14 pm

I can understand why Harries, Evans and Jones are going.

Harries (like Hughes) has had quite few injuries and with Brew coming in might be limited in game time likewise Evans with Byrne.

Jones was always going to be 2nd fiddle to Toby and with Copeland leaving the Blues he now has great chance to be 1st choice.

Its a shame they (and Hughes) are all leaving as its about depth but its all about finances as well unfortunately and I doubt Byrne or Brew came that cheap.

by Jhamer25 Wed 22 Jan 2014, 10:57 pm

I will b happy to have Harries down with us. I remember at one point he was playing really really well at the Dragons and earned a call up didn't he? Would rather him stay in Wales

It said on Walesonline that they did offer Sam a new contract but he is set to sign a 4 year deal for the Ospreys. It's a weird thing really because I would think that Lyn would want to keep him; however, it is fair to say that he is second choice at the moment behind Thomas. Also, seeing as he has had a few call ups now, you would think he would like to be a team starter. It will be a good battle between Sam and Scottt Baldwin for the 2 shirt next season though.

by Guest Thu 23 Jan 2014, 8:58 am

Jhamer25 wrote:I will b happy to have Harries down with us. I remember at one point he was playing really really well at the Dragons and earned a call up didn't he? Would rather him stay in Wales

It said on Walesonline that they did offer Sam a new contract but he is set to sign a 4 year deal for the Ospreys. It's a weird thing really because I would think that Lyn would want to keep him; however, it is fair to say that he is second choice at the moment behind Thomas. Also, seeing as he has had a few call ups now, you would think he would like to be a team starter. It will be a good battle between Sam and Scottt Baldwin for the 2 shirt next season though.

He did want to keep him - he offered him a new contact (see your first sentence)!!!

by Jhamer25 Thu 23 Jan 2014, 5:11 pm

Griff wrote:
Jhamer25 wrote:I will b happy to have Harries down with us. I remember at one point he was playing really really well at the Dragons and earned a call up didn't he? Would rather him stay in Wales

It said on Walesonline that they did offer Sam a new contract but he is set to sign a 4 year deal for the Ospreys. It's a weird thing really because I would think that Lyn would want to keep him; however, it is fair to say that he is second choice at the moment behind Thomas. Also, seeing as he has had a few call ups now, you would think he would like to be a team starter. It will be a good battle between Sam and Scottt Baldwin for the 2 shirt next season though.

He did want to keep him - he offered him a new contact (see your first sentence)!!!

Yes but I mean really want him, fight for him like. Ospreys might have made a very good deal for him but I would have thought he was in Lyn's future plan. If you get what I mean

by dragon4life Thu 23 Jan 2014, 6:29 pm

Is the Marc Jones rumor still going round?

by Jhamer25 Thu 23 Jan 2014, 6:40 pm

Who the one from Sharks, that's new to me

by dragon4life Thu 23 Jan 2014, 6:50 pm

Yeah it is & makes sense now Parry is leaving

by Guest Thu 23 Jan 2014, 8:28 pm

I take it that's a Kinglsey Jones link up from his days at Sale? Is he any good? 'Cos Parry has just been called into the Wales squad so Gatland must think he's pretty good.

by dragon4life Thu 23 Jan 2014, 8:50 pm

I'm not sure if hes good but i doubt he's better than Parry

by dragon4life Thu 23 Jan 2014, 8:53 pm

Anyone see the bit about us on rugby club?

by dragon4life Thu 23 Jan 2014, 8:59 pm

According to Mayofromwales on dragged up we are in negotitations with rhys buckley who left us for doncaster and is now with mosely

by Guest Thu 23 Jan 2014, 9:07 pm

That would be an odd one. Buckley left on bad terms as he was critical of the wages being paid. He said he could earn more being an electrical engineer so said it wasn't worth it, or wasn't being paid what he was worth. But he wanted top pro pay when he was 4th choice hooker?!

by Guest Thu 23 Jan 2014, 9:31 pm

dragon4life wrote:Anyone see the bit about us on rugby club?

What was it? I've sky plussed a repeat now though. Is it worth it?

by dragon4life Thu 23 Jan 2014, 9:36 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
dragon4life wrote:Anyone see the bit about us on rugby club?

What was it? I've sky plussed a repeat now though. Is it worth it?

Its only about about 5 minutes long. Its just lyn talking about his ambitions for the club to be the top welsh region

by glamorganalun Thu 23 Jan 2014, 11:22 pm

munkian wrote:Gutted Ryan Jones is going to Bristol, would've loved to see him in a Dragons shirt

This has not been confirmed, he still has another year on his contract at the Ospreys also Bristol, are likely to be playing championship rugby again next year and no HC or what ever it may be. I can't see Ryan playing at a lower level before the next RWC, he has a few years left in him.

by munkian Fri 24 Jan 2014, 8:42 am

glamorganalun wrote:
munkian wrote:Gutted Ryan Jones is going to Bristol, would've loved to see him in a Dragons shirt

This has not been confirmed, he still has another year on his contract at the Ospreys also Bristol, are likely to be playing championship rugby again next year and no HC or what ever it may be. I can't see Ryan playing at a lower level before the next RWC, he has a few years left in him.

Good, London Welsh seem to be likely to go back up

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 24 Jan 2014, 9:08 am

munkian wrote:http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10953749.Wales_hopeful_Sam_Parry_set_for_Dragons_exit/

FFS - really ? Do the other regions not have accademies ?

Sadly this is what we the rest of us were wondering about the Dragons in the past, when our youngsters would jump ship for an easy starting place rather than battle for the shirt (Gus, Martyn Thomas, Dan Evs and the likes). Also isn't Sam a Pembs boy?

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 24 Jan 2014, 9:12 am

Just thinking about he Sam Parry move, and within reason the Ieaun Jones move too, surely these are the type of things the regions should get around the table to get under control. We can't stop players jumping ship to France for more cash, however we can stop competing against each other for Welsh players, as that is just going to drive wages up and up.

by The Saint Fri 24 Jan 2014, 9:13 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
munkian wrote:http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10953749.Wales_hopeful_Sam_Parry_set_for_Dragons_exit/

FFS - really ? Do the other regions not have accademies ?

Sadly this is what we the rest of us were wondering about the Dragons in the past, when our youngsters would jump ship for an easy starting place rather than battle for the shirt (Gus, Martyn Thomas, Dan Evs and the likes). Also isn't Sam a Pembs boy?

I seem to remember those guys you list being out of favour with the Scarlets. Each came to the Dragons and their career flourished.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 24 Jan 2014, 9:22 am

Saint - mmmeehhh, Dan Evs was out of favour, the rest were looking to try and break into the match day squads. But it is all down to view points etc. But complaining about losing players like Evans and Parry, who came through the schools/early age grade systems else where, as people robbing your academies is a bit rich. But it is all view points, after all is it the age grade system or the team that gives you your first consistant run in the team, that developed you etc. AND either way the region to region transfers need to stop, it is just us all throwing money away trying to out bid each other, and then losing good players abroad because we can't afford them (partly by paying ott for welsh players from another region).

by The Saint Fri 24 Jan 2014, 11:42 am

SS, I think what we can all agree on is that the Ospreys are the worst for nicking players from other regional academies! Wink

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 24 Jan 2014, 11:50 am

The Saint wrote:SS, I think what we can all agree on is that the Ospreys are the worst for nicking players from other regional academies!

Or the best, depending on your view point.

by The Saint Fri 24 Jan 2014, 11:52 am

Well they did do us a favour by taking Richard Fussell. How on earth did that guy make the team for so long.

by LordDowlais Fri 24 Jan 2014, 11:53 am

The thing is, if the regions who have these players in their academies are not willing enough to offer a kid a contract, why should other regions not be allowed to take a punt on these boys ?

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