Newport Gwent Dragons 2016/17 thread

[Luckless Pedestrian]

First topic message reminder :

I understand that some players haven't had a break for a while, but still, either it's a must-win game (with a bonus point) or it isn't.

[RiscaGame]

It is.

Check the difference between us and Connacht (who are in this mini league they like to speak of). They get four internationals back and start them. We get our one and bench him. Absolute joke

[Stone Motif]

It is.

Check the difference between us and Connacht (who are in this mini league they like to speak of). They get four internationals back and start them. We get our one and bench him. Absolute joke

In favour of a player out of position who we've just shown the door

[Guest]

You couldn't make it up!

Prydie and Crosswell have been shown the door presumably because they are deemed surplus to requirements. What's the point in then picking them in the first 15. Surely we should be looking to the future now and trying some players from the academy instead of them. Or, if they're deemed good enough to start (over other options) then why are we getting rid of them at all? "You're not good enough to get a contract extension but you're good enough to start for us over your teammates who we're keeping". Madness!

[GavinDragon]

Not read above, but will tell you all what you probably already know:-

- County have primacy of tenancy.
- Pro12 want all fixtures kicked off at 17:15 on the Saturday.

Were there attempts made to move the County? Of course there were, but for whatever reason it didn't happen and, legally, we didn't have a leg to stand on.

Oh, and Pinky inherited the tenancy agreement with County, so the blame can't be laid at his door.

No one is happy about this, believe me. It is about making lemonade with lemons, which is what the region are trying to do.

I imagine we will end up at EXP or the Construct-a-quote stadium. It is the ultimate nightmare scenario, but we will be working with the region to mitigate the inconvenience that fans will be caused.

[Stone Motif]

What we are making is a sh5t sandwich, only with no bread

[GavinDragon]

Constructive Stone.

[Stone Motif]

Constructive Stone.

Reality Gav.

[RiscaGame]

Heard we've signed a SA fullback. The guy who told me couldn't remember the name, but he is meant to be pretty well known. I know that sounds something of nothing, but I can't chase the name yet cos he's a bit busy haha.

Where's Dragon999 (I think). He usually knows a bit

[GavinDragon]

Kirchner?

[RiscaGame]

I have no clue. Just asked him, but like I said he's busy.

[Stone Motif]

Heard we've signed a SA fullback. The guy who told me couldn't remember the name, but he is meant to be pretty well known. I know that sounds something of nothing, but I can't chase the name yet cos he's a bit busy haha.

Where's Dragon999 (I think). He usually knows a bit

Meyer renewing?

[GavinDragon]

I think he is WQ now

[Stone Motif]

I think he is WQ now

Yeah good point, that'll be why the O's are sniffing. Struggling to think of anyone that would be an improvement on Prydie. We were linked with van Vuuren last season weren't we? Wiki says he's retired but only 31...also from Despatch, like a certain ex captain.

[GavinDragon]

So, for next year's squad we have confirmed

Hobbs, Price, Tom Davies

Dee, Buckley

Harris

Hill, Landman, Screech

Evans

Griffiths, Cudd, Benjamin

Jackson, Keddie, Blake

Pretorius, Knoyle,

Macleod (?), Angus, Dorian (who should be let go IMO)

Dixon, Morgan, Warren, Beard

Amos, Hewitt, Meyer, Howard, Hughes

Start the rumour mill early shall we? So we have been linked with:-

Henson
Ian Evans
Zane Kirchner

[Stone Motif]

So, for next year's squad we have confirmed

Hobbs, Price, Tom Davies

Dee, Buckley

Harris

Hill, Landman, Screech

Evans

Griffiths, Cudd, Benjamin

Jackson, Keddie, Blake

Pretorius, Knoyle,

Macleod (?), Angus, Dorian (who should be let go IMO)

Dixon, Morgan, Warren, Beard

Amos, Hewitt, Meyer, Howard, Hughes

Start the rumour mill early shall we? So we have been linked with:-

Henson
Ian Evans
Zane Kirchner

I have a bad feeling Eli Walker is going to rock up here at some point. No one else would be daft enough to take a punt on that injury record.

[international198]

Nic Cudd was superb last night. I expect him to be involved with the Welsh squad this summer in the Pacific Islands.

[GavinDragon]

So, for next year's squad we have confirmed

Hobbs, Price, Tom Davies

Dee, Buckley

Harris

Hill, Landman, Screech

Evans

Griffiths, Cudd, Benjamin

Jackson, Keddie, Blake

Pretorius, Knoyle,

Macleod (?), Angus, Dorian (who should be let go IMO)

Dixon, Morgan, Warren, Beard

Amos, Hewitt, Meyer, Howard, Hughes

Start the rumour mill early shall we? So we have been linked with:-

Henson
Ian Evans
Zane Kirchner

I have a bad feeling Eli Walker is going to rock up here at some point. No one else would be daft enough to take a punt on that injury record.

Given that we are in for Evans and Henson, I'd say Eli is on strategy

[Stone Motif]

Nic Cudd was superb last night. I expect him to be involved with the Welsh squad this summer in the Pacific Islands.

Yeah right

[RiscaGame]

Is Kirchener the one linked to us then?

[Stone Motif]

Is Kirchener the one linked to us then?

Whoever it is, they ought to save the cash and invest it in some decent coaches. Forwards marginally better organised under Ceri (though obv under powered) but our back line are the most disorganised bunch of f7cks I've seen in many a long day. We're doubling down on wasting the undoubted talent there by completely failing to put systems in place the players can trust.

[RiscaGame]

Well aye, I don't see the need for a fifteen but it does seem to be somebody we might be happy with (as in a bit of a name) and we do need that kind of player.

Judging by our record, I am expecting Percy to be coming back.

[Stone Motif]

We'd just waste him. I bet if you asked Kingsley about back play he'd give you some nonsense about 'the Welsh way' and 'just letting talented players play'.

[munkian]

Nic Cudd was superb last night. I expect him to be involved with the Welsh squad this summer in the Pacific Islands.

Yeah right

Will much more likely be Ollie Griffiths

[GavinDragon]

Is Kirchener the one linked to us then?

Whoever it is, they ought to save the cash and invest it in some decent coaches. Forwards marginally better organised under Ceri (though obv under powered) but our back line are the most disorganised bunch of f7cks I've seen in many a long day. We're doubling down on wasting the undoubted talent there by completely failing to put systems in place the players can trust.

Agree. Connor is a waste of salary.

[Stone Motif]

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/15113115.Meyer_and_Dixon_in_for_Dragons__Hewitt_still_out/

Classic Kingsley. Oh Dixon's back is he? Sounds like a good enough reason to rotate the centres, it's only the IRFU1 in the PrO'12

[RiscaGame]

Dixon has been fit, I thought. So to suddenly bring him back in is very random. Plus why not leave our sole Welsh squad member on the bench again?

Heard mini Kingsley was toss last week, yet still starting again. Shambles

[mikey_dragon]

I got offered a free ticket for Friday and I was too lazy to attend. I'm glad. What an embarrassment. Surely that's it for KJ and his family? Surely it's the WRU realising they need to rescue this sinking ship? This isn't a good environment for the young guys to be coming into. Even the progress of Amos, Morgan, Dixon has halted. Hopefully Griffiths and Hewitt aren't next.

[Stone Motif]

I got offered a free ticket for Friday and I was too lazy to attend. I'm glad. What an embarrassment. Surely that's it for KJ and his family? Surely it's the WRU realising they need to rescue this sinking ship? This isn't a good environment for the young guys to be coming into. Even the progress of Amos, Morgan, Dixon has halted. Hopefully Griffiths and Hewitt aren't next.

The WRU will not help us, we need to help ourselves. The only thing the union understand is pandering to the 'Rugby Mad Welsh Public (TM)' and the entirety of the professional era stands testament to its ability to make the most abysmally f4ckwitted nonsense decisions in the interest of keeping faith with the noobs that rock up to the Principality once per annum.

Thus, the sum contribution we can expect frombthe union is to make some sort of arbitrary knee jerk like moving the sh5t sandwich van to Parc Eirias, so they can be seen to have done something... Never mind that the solution is investment in the pro team in Newport and that the new entity will likely be the same squad and coaches in an area of less money, infrastructure , playing base and population, ably assisted by the Politburo of Bowell, Halfwit et al at the Fail, the WRU (as it did with the set up of the regional mergers) will be able to capture the brains trust of the average, non-pro rugby supporting masses by looking like they have taken decisive action.

We can only save ourselves. As much as certain posters on here like to make my views on how we can credibly raise the cash to do this a question of ideology it really is a question of survival now. We only have one card left to play before the cuckoo in the nest kills pro rugby in this part of Wales forever.

[mikey_dragon]

I'm just reiterating what the WRU cheif exec said. If investors were previously willing they're probably now unwilling. Rumour had it that a big insurance firm were going to invest; I don't remember which one but the CEO is female. Again just rumour, but apparently the current board of directors wouldn't have it.

[Stone Motif]

The current WRU CEO is a sh1thouse. What help do you think he can provide?

The Hayley Parsons thing had legs but as said before (when I got banned for trying to educate Merthyr pork) no one will invest without the security of the land. The NGD cannot offer that.

[mikey_dragon]

Not sure who you're arguing with tbh, I don't disagree. I expect if no investors step in then we'll be a WRU super team. That's what I have in mind. Not sure what the WRU have in mind though.

Merthyr Pork ; want some advice with that - don't waste your time.

[Stone Motif]

Not sure who you're arguing with tbh, I don't disagree. I expect if no investors step in then we'll be a WRU super team. That's what I have in mind. Not sure what the WRU have in mind though.

Merthyr Pork ; want some advice with that - don't waste your time.

I'm not, as my ramble mode post above hopefully said, I don't trust the WRU to help us. They can't. And to disguise that they are likely to do something incredibly dull like move the 'region' north in order to look less impotent and keep favour with the RMWP, particularly as the long-expected collapse of the national team bites over the next five years.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Andy Howell's written about it again today I hear, so it must be true.

[Cardiff Dave]

Yet another chapter in the wonderful world of Welsh rugby.
There we are then.

[mikey_dragon]

The BBC are running that story again too, which leads me to believe it does have some substance. If the union do take over then where does it leave the likes of Stuart Davies and the rest of the Newport RFC fan boys?

[Cardiff Dave]

Hope i'm wrong, but it's all sounding like a "rugby decision" to me.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

The BBC are running that story again too, which leads me to believe it does have some substance. If the union do take over then where does it leave the likes of Stuart Davies and the rest of the Newport RFC fan boys?

I think there is more substance to it this time.

A takeover of Newport Gwent Dragons is nearing a conclusion with the Welsh Rugby Union set to be heavily involved in a deal for the Rodney Parade region.

The Dragons have been hunting for new financial backers since last April and, after a number of false dawns, are hopeful of getting a deal over the line.

There are still a number of hurdles to cross but the WRU, currently joint-owners with Newport RFC, have been active in the process and the hope is that their greater involvement will in turn attract more private investment in the struggling region.

The pace of talks has increased since the turn of the year and a deal could be struck in the coming weeks.

The full form of the governing body's involvement at Rodney Parade – whether attracting fresh owners to take the reins, taking over completely themselves or working alongside investors – is yet to be rubber-stamped.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/dragons/15126715.WRU_closing_in_on_Dragons_takeover/

[Cardiff Dave]

The Celtic Dragons it is then!
Has a familiar ring to it, I spose.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Chris Kirwan's right here:

'They (Dragons) have plenty of young Gwent talent on their books in the form of Hallam Amos, Ollie Griffiths, Ashton Hewitt, Tyler Morgan, Elliot Dee, Harri Keddie and Leon Brown but investment is needed to help such prospects fulfil their potential.'

I want these players to develop, but the way things are (or have been) going, they'll have to leave for it to happen.

[LordDowlais]

Merthyr pork eh ? I guess that was aimed at me.

Never mind. You will still have a region to support. It will just be in the Welsh capital and your team will be wearing blue, or pink.

Just get behind the team and support your region. Like I was told to do.

[RiscaGame]

Chris Kirwan's right here:

'They (Dragons) have plenty of young Gwent talent on their books in the form of Hallam Amos, Ollie Griffiths, Ashton Hewitt, Tyler Morgan, Elliot Dee, Harri Keddie and Leon Brown but investment is needed to help such prospects fulfil their potential.'

I want these players to develop, but the way things are (or have been) going, they'll have to leave for it to happen.

I wouldn't be surprised to see people like Jason Strange come on board now, if the takeover happens.

It is true about the talent. It is also a good point how we have so many clubs in our pathway and why I don't believe they will uproot us or close us down. I wonder how some of the pros down there are feeling now though? One of the coach's sons must be sweating (I've heard the other is off) and a few others as well. What's clear is Kingsley has to go though and to be honest people like Huw Bevan (Elite Performance Director ) and Shaun Connor should also follow.

I guess the N G words might go now too. Dobbin Davey didn't seem too chuffed by that. One less thing for him to chat to Owen Robins about, I guess.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

It always looks so rubbish, doesn't it? On the fixture list and the league table: 'NG Dragons'.

[RiscaGame]

I prefer just one name. Any would've done for me all along really, just to avoid that and the needless debate about what team it is etc.

[international198]

The Dragons are the biggest underachievers in the Pro12. Look at the players at the Dragons' disposal. You have Tom Prydie, Ollie Griffiths, Nic Cudd, Cory Hill, Tavis Knoyle, Dorian Jones, Angus O'Brien, Hallam Amos, Nick Crosswell, Jack Dixon, Adam Hughes and Pat Howard. These are good players. Look at the head coach. You have Kingsley Jones. He's a great head coach. The Dragons should be at least mid table.

[Stone Motif]

Chris Kirwan's right here:

'They (Dragons) have plenty of young Gwent talent on their books in the form of Hallam Amos, Ollie Griffiths, Ashton Hewitt, Tyler Morgan, Elliot Dee, Harri Keddie and Leon Brown but investment is needed to help such prospects fulfil their potential.'

I want these players to develop, but the way things are (or have been) going, they'll have to leave for it to happen.

I wouldn't be surprised to see people like Jason Strange come on board now, if the takeover happens.

It is true about the talent. It is also a good point how we have so many clubs in our pathway and why I don't believe they will uproot us or close us down. I wonder how some of the pros down there are feeling now though? One of the coach's sons must be sweating (I've heard the other is off) and a few others as well. What's clear is Kingsley has to go though and to be honest people like Huw Bevan (Elite Performance Director   ) and Shaun Connor should also follow.

I guess the N G words might go now too. Dobbin Davey didn't seem too chuffed by that. One less thing for him to chat to Owen Robins about, I guess.

The other thing being any nu region would effectively have the same playing squad, except without the decent young players, less money, infrastructure and population base.

[Stone Motif]

The Dragons are the biggest underachievers in the Pro12. Look at the players at the Dragons' disposal. You have Tom Prydie, Ollie Griffiths, Nic Cudd, Cory Hill, Tavis Knoyle, Dorian Jones, Angus O'Brien, Hallam Amos, Nick Crosswell, Jack Dixon, Adam Hughes and Pat Howard. These are good players. Look at the head coach. You have Kingsley Jones. He's a great head coach. The Dragons should be at least mid table.

Ha! Funny...

[Stone Motif]

Merthyr pork eh ? I guess that was aimed at me.

Never mind. You will still have a region to support. It will just be in the Welsh capital and your team will be wearing blue, or pink.

Just get behind the team and support your region. Like I was told to do.

I'd answer that, but you'd just go crying to the mods like the last time you jumped in the deep end

[True Raven]

Would NDC be ripped up and that pot be evenly distributed between four regions to increase funding to the dragons

Can't imagine the other regions will be happy if funding to the Dragons increased.

Or do they feel the Dragons are the place for young Welsh talent to get game time at a professional level and turn them into a development region

Interesting times ahead for the Dragons

[LordDowlais]

It's not as if the WRU did not have previous for buying out a region then scrapping it.

They already own RGC1404, which one would they prioritise ?

The trouble is, how would the fans up north who are all desperately chomping at the bit for their chance for pro rugby take it, if they now see the WRU putting their eggs into the Newport basket ?

Also, how would all the Gwent Dragons fans who have constantly slagged off the WRU and now see the organisation riding in like a knight in shining armour saving their blushes ? Would they want to see their region in the hands of the enemy ?

[LordDowlais]

Would NDC be ripped up and that pot be evenly distributed between four regions to increase funding to the dragons

I doubt that would happen, to do this they would have to re-house the DC players evenly into the four teams, and when you consider the team they were taking up the DC offer was part of the selling point, a lot of currently DC players would not be happy, it could cause another exodus.

Can't imagine the other regions will be happy if funding to the Dragons increased.

I cannot see this either. Dragons do not deserve extra funding, they show nothing in terms of offering something back other than the odd player for team Wales. Cardiff Blues are sailing close to the wind in the same respect.

Or do they feel the Dragons are the place for young Welsh talent to get game time at a professional level and turn them into a development region

Sadly, at the moment, this is the only future for pro rugby in Newport.

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