Newport Gwent Dragons 2016/17 thread

[Luckless Pedestrian]

First topic message reminder :

Seeing as no one else has set one up, I thought I'd start a 2016/17 season thread for the mighty Dragons.

The Dragons website doesn't have a straightforward list of the squad members, so the best I can do is a link to the page:

http://www.newportgwentdragons.com/Teams/Squad/Dragons

Fri, 05 Aug 2016      Rygbi Gogledd Cymru 1404 Parc Erias, Colwyn Bay F
Fri, 12 Aug 2016        Cardiff Blues Rodney Parade, Newport F
Sat, 20 Aug 2016        Ealing Trailfinders CCBC Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach F
Fri, 26 Aug 2016        Exeter Chiefs Rodney Parade, Newport F

Fri, 02 Sep 2016        Ulster Kingspan Stadium, Belfast GP12 BBC N Ireland
Fri, 09 Sep 2016        Zebre Rugby Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sat, 17 Sep 2016               Munster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 Sky Sports
Fri, 23 Sep 2016        Benetton Rugby Treviso Stadio Comunale di Monigo, Treviso GP12
Fri, 30 Sep 2016        Glasgow Warriors Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 BBC Two Wales

Sat, 08 Oct 2016        Scarlets Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli GP12 S4C
Sat, 29 Oct 2016        Ospreys Liberty Stadium, Swansea GP12 S4C, Sky Sports

Fri, 04 Nov 2016        Connacht Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sat, 12 Nov 2016        Leicester Tigers Welford Road, Leicester AWC
Fri, 18 Nov 2016         Scarlets Rodney Parade, Newport AWC
Sun, 27 Nov 2016        Edinburgh Rugby Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 S4C

Sat, 03 Dec 2016        Leinster Royal Dublin Society, Dublin GP12 S4C
Mon, 26 Dec 2016        Cardiff Blues Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff GP12 BBC Two Wales

Sun, 01 Jan 2017        Ospreys Rodney Parade, Newport GP12 BBC Two Wales
Fri, 06 Jan 2017      Benetton Rugby Treviso Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
Sun, 29 Jan 2017        Newcastle Falcons Rodney Parade, Newport AWC

Sat, 04 Feb 2017        Gloucester Rugby Kingsholm, Gloucester AWC
10/11/12 Feb 2017        Munster Thomond Park, Limerick GP12
17/18/19 Feb 2017        Connacht The Sportsground, Galway GP12
24/25/26 Feb 2017        Leinster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

3/4/5 Mar 2017             Glasgow Warriors Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow GP12
24/25/26 Mar 2017        Ulster Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

7/8/9 Apr 2017      Zebre Rugby Stadio XXV Aprile, Parma GP12
Sat, 15 Apr 2017      Scarlets Rodney Parade, Newport GP12
28/29/30 Apr 2017        Edinburgh Rugby Murrayfield, Edinburgh GP12

Sat, 06 May 2017        Cardiff Blues Rodney Parade, Newport GP12

[dragon4life]

Is it just me or does anyone else think by the end of this season Griffiths will be our first choice 7?

[GavinDragon]

I think by the middle if he starts like he was playing before the injury last year. I think he is Warburton's natural successor

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Except Ellis Jenkins is clearly better, and apparently you don't know anything about rugby if you think otherwise...

[munkian]

Except Ellis Jenkins is clearly better, and apparently you don't know anything about rugby if you think otherwise...

To be fair, he DOES play for God's own rugby club

[GavinDragon]

Took me a while to get the saracasm then. I have clearly been neglecting this forum!

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Ellis Jenkins is a fine player, and he's definitely ahead of Ollie Griffiths in the pecking order - it stands to reason, seeing as he's played more for the Blues than Griffiths has for the Dragons - but I don't see it as a given that he'll stay ahead of him in the pecking order.

[munkian]

This is quite cool, Rugby Heaven are taking over the shop at Rodney parade

http://www.newportgwentdragons.com/News/Article/46225

New Kit should be available Friday and all

[Luckless Pedestrian]

That's really good.

[munkian]

Yupp, some positive news - hopefully it will mean more shirts on sale around the Gwent area in their stores too.

[RiscaGame]

I asked on FB, but I wonder if the shops in Cwmbran and Ebbw will go dragons orientated too? Was always a bit gutting to see Cardiff or Ospreys tops in the window and minimal (if any at all) Dragons stash anywhere in those two shops (I gather that was not their fault mind).

I said on Twitter also, it really does feel like off the field we are moving into the present day finally, with news like this and of course the long overdue SC. Great news.

[RiscaGame]

Just the on field stuff to move into the present day now

[Luckless Pedestrian]

It's taken way too long, and this is stuff other clubs / regions probably take for granted, but still, good news.

[Stone Motif]

I asked on FB, but I wonder if the shops in Cwmbran and Ebbw will go dragons orientated too? Was always a bit gutting to see Cardiff or Ospreys tops in the window and minimal (if any at all) Dragons stash anywhere in those two shops (I gather that was not their fault mind).

I said on Twitter also, it really does feel like off the field we are moving into the present day finally, with news like this and of course the long overdue SC. Great news.

To be fair the shirt of choice in Cwmbran is the Swansea one. OTR and all that.

[RiscaGame]

Fair point

[GavinDragon]

I have also asked those who will be running the store whether they will be stocking regional club jerseys.

We want to display them alongside Dragons Home/Away jerseys in the DOSC area of the marquee.

Anyone coming along to the Q&A on the 18? If not, anyone have any questions they want asked?

[GavinDragon]

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I really like that. Then again, I really liked the last one, and then they changed it!

I'd have kept the blue-and-white away shirt we've had for a while, but never mind.

[GavinDragon]

Money spinner isn't it. I bought last year's away and will buy this year's away too as I probably prefer it.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

No, I mean last season's jersey was nice, then the replica jersey arrived and was awful and nothing like the players' jersey, so they changed the players' jersey to be like the replica.

I think that's the most times I've ever used 'jersey' in one sentence...

[GavinDragon]

Haha. Ah rite. Yes, well I don't think that will happen again this year.

Personally, I think that is the best kit we have had in years. Really like it.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I agree. It's quite simple. Sometimes less is more.

[munkian]

I like it but bet the supporters jersey is different. Some people don't like the collar but meh, seems Ok.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

We'll find out tomorrow!

[munkian]

Money spinner isn't it. I bought last year's away and will buy this year's away too as I probably prefer it.

Is the new spreys one out yet ? Bets are its black with contrasting piping 'shocker'

[RiscaGame]

I really like that. Then again, I really liked the last one, and then they changed it!

I'd have kept the blue-and-white away shirt we've had for a while, but never mind.

Agree entirely with your first bit. I know I'll be buying the home one tomorrow.

The second bit, yes the last two blue kits were ok but they did have ever so subtle (and pointless) changes on them.

[RiscaGame]

No, I mean last season's jersey was nice, then the replica jersey arrived and was awful and nothing like the players' jersey, so they changed the players' jersey to be like the replica jersey and then we went to Jersey to play Jersey.

I think that's the most times I've ever used 'jersey' in one sentence...

Added a few more for you

[RiscaGame]

I like it but bet the supporters jersey is different. Some people don't like the collar but meh, seems Ok.

Collar perfect for me. I think some like the old floppy collars, but they aren't for me.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I think this is the first time in a while that I've preferred the home jersey to the away.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

No, I mean last season's jersey was nice, then the replica jersey arrived and was awful and nothing like the players' jersey, so they changed the players' jersey to be like the replica jersey and then we went to Jersey to play Jersey.

I think that's the most times I've ever used 'jersey' in one sentence...

Added a few more for you

With Jerzy Dudek.

[munkian]

I like it but bet the supporters jersey is different. Some people don't like the collar but meh, seems Ok.

Collar perfect for me. I think some like the old floppy collars, but they aren't for me.

I like the mandarin style collar of some of our older shirts

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Danny Wilson has named an experienced starting line-up to face Newport Gwent Dragons in the first pre-season friendly of 2016.

Cardiff Blues take on their near neighbours and Bristol as they gear up for their renewed assault on the Guinness PRO12, with an emphasis on giving the entire squad opportunities before the big kick-off.

Wilson has named a 26-man squad, captained by Matthew Rees and with 14 of the starting players featuring for the first team last season.

New signings Steve Shingler and Rhun Williams are also included on the bench, and are joined by Cory Allen, who is set to make his first appearance for Wales' Capital Region since February.

Wilson said: "The is an exciting fixture against our local rivals and although it is a pre-season friendly, it has that derby feel.

"Most of the guys playing have now been training for eight weeks and are ready for a game.

"It gives us as a coaching staff the opportunity to cast an eye over individuals and collective units and they have the chance to put their hand up for the first league match of the season."

The bulk of the remaining players will feature in the final pre-season match against Bristol, ahead of the season opener against Edinburgh on September 3.

"Friday's encounter at Rodney Parade will allow us to give the first 26 opportunities to stake a claim for first league game of season.

"The emphasis for these matches is very much on ensuring we are best prepared for the season opener against Edinburgh.

"We had a lot of away games at the start of the season, five on the bounce, which was a tough time and well documented, but now we have two home games in the first four and hopefully we can hit the ground running and pick up some wins."

Cardiff Blues: 15 Dan Fish; 14 Blaine Scully, 13 Harri Millard, 12 Garyn Smith, 11 Aled Summerhill;10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Lewis Jones; 1 Brad Thyer, 2 Matthew Rees (capt), 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 James Down, 6 Macauley Cook, 7 Josh Navidi, 8 James Sheekey.

Replacement: 16 Ethan Lewis, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Seb Davies, 20 Cam Dolan, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Steve Shingler, 23 Cory Allen, 24 Teri Gee, 25 Shane Lewis-Hughes, 26 Rhun Williams.

[munkian]

Meh - glad I only paid a fiver.

I assume PhillBB will be attending to see the mighty, mighty Bloos smash the laughable (sic) Kindom of Gwent ?

[RiscaGame]

Dragons: C Meyer, A Hughes, J Dixon, A Warren, P Howard, N Macleod, S Pretorius, T Davies, E Dee, B Harris, N Crosswell, R Landman, J Thomas, N Cudd, L Evans (captain). Replacements: C Mitchell, R Thomas, S Hobbs, M Screech, C Hill, E Jackson, O Griffiths, C Davies, G Gasson, A O'Brien.

[munkian]

EWPORT Gwent Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones has handed pre-season starts to new boys Pat Howard, Nick Macleod and Tom Davies as they kick off their preparations for the Guinness Pro12 against Cardiff Blues.

The Dragons take on their fiercest rivals at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7.30pm) for a fixture that is part of the beneficiary year for captain Lewis Evans and former centre Ashley Smith.

The encounter will raise funds for the pair's chosen charities of St David's Hospice and Stay Strong for Ows but it's also an important tune-up for the Pro12 opener against Ulster in Belfast on Friday, September 2.

Howard, a try scorer for a Dragons Development XV in a 26-20 win against RGC 1404 in a conditioning match last Friday, starts on the flank along with fellow wing/centre Adam Hughes after arriving from Northampton while Nick Macleod gets first go at fly-half against his old club following his move from Sale.

Davies moved from the Arms Park this summer and slots in at loosehead while props Craig Mitchell and Sam Hobbs, who also headed east from the capital, will make their Dragons bows off the bench.

Flanker Ollie Griffiths is among the replacements and will make his comeback after suffering a serious hamstring injury in January but the management team don't intend to ring the changes too frequently.

"Players need time on the pitch and I don't think we've done ourselves justice over the past couple of years by making a lot of changes throughout the game," said Jones.

"We plan to go with the same group for 45 to 50 minutes then make some changes. I am conscious that we've got games against Ealing and Exeter to come, while RGC was a worthwhile exercise for some young players last week, so the plan is that everybody will get a chance to start in pre-season."

"We are still a long way from where we want to be and have three more weeks of preparation for Ulster," he continued.

"We want to do well because it's at home against the Blues and it will be nice to have a competitive game but it's not about the result; we beat them in Cardiff last pre-season then lost to them twice in the Pro12, we'd happily swap that.

"We want to develop a winning mentality but it's not all about that in this game. It's important that we focus on what we've worked on throughout the summer rather than forgetting that and making it personal against a Welsh rival.

"It's a chance to see under pressure what we have been working on but there are things that we will keep in our pocket for now."

Centre Sam Beard will sit out the derby after suffering a minor bump to his hip in training while speedsters Ashton Hewitt and Tom Prydie are making good progress from shoulder and knee injuries respectively and are nearing returns.

[GavinDragon]

Just posted on FB that, when you look at that side and consider that Amos, Tyler, Hewitt can all be added, we aren't too shabby an outfit - just need to keep them all fit!

[munkian]

Beard back in too.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I think I'm right in saying our replacement front five are all former Blues players. Just thought I'd point that out before any Blues fans do...

[munkian]

Chuckle

[Cardiff Dave]

Let's be 'aving ewe the Monmouthshire Bloos!
Pride of the Kingdom of Gwent, yay.

[RiscaGame]

Wow. Been a while.

[Seagultaf]

I have always been impressed by Lewis Evans and suprised he has never featured for Wales. However he seemed to be missing out on getting starts last season but with Toby gone he could be a key player next season.

I agree with other posters that Landman should have also been in the mix, as he seems a natural leader and allways plays well.

[munkian]

I have always been impressed by Lewis Evans and suprised he has never featured for Wales. However he seemed to be missing out on getting starts last season but with Toby gone he could be a key player next season.

I agree with other posters that Landman should have also been in the mix, as he seems a natural leader and allways plays well.

Im sure he missed out on a call up before because he was injured.

[dragon4life]

Looks like Lewis Evans will be Faletaus successor

[munkian]

Looks like Lewis Evans will be Faletaus successor

Hmmm.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Well, for now at least.

[dragon4life]

Just seen that Nick Scott the winger has signed for sale by the looks of it, was in their 7s squad and playing in pre season friendly for them. Good luck to him.

[munkian]

Just seen that Nick Scott the winger has signed for sale by the looks of it, was in their 7s squad and playing in pre season friendly for them. Good luck to him.

Ah cool, he barely got a look in with us. Hope we use Charlie Davies more at 9 - really surprised Brew is still with us.

[dragon4life]

I think we look more controlled with Davies at 9 and he has a better kicking game and then Pretorious off the bench to speed things up, Brew supposedly played well in the conditioning game but I am looking forward to seeing Gasson on the wing who is only 18/19 but has big potential

[munkian]

I think we look more controlled with Davies at 9 and he has a better kicking game and then Pretorious off the bench to speed things up, Brew supposedly played well in the conditioning game but I am looking forward to seeing Gasson on the wing who is only 18/19 but has big potential

Yeah, agree about Pretorious - he does try to speed things up but often at the wrong times/situations.

I hope Brew does find some of his previous form but we have other options in the wings

[dragon4life]

Anyone go to the game last night? How did we play and how were the new signings?

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