Dragons Season Thread - 2019/20 aka Year 1 of the new 5 Year Plan

[Stone Motif]

First topic message reminder :

A good win for Dragons. Wonder if George North might get banned this week for more shethousery. Guy is turning into a dirty get down there.

Wasn’t too convinced by the subs we made, but they turned out to be wise choices. That includes Tovey steadying the ship and kicking the winner and surprisingly Suter being solid in the scrum.

It's an amazing win given the Ospreys dominance. If they'd have made the right calls our luck would have run out I think.

[mikey_dragon]

Rate Robson, glad he’s staying with us and not going away to Glaws. In the next year or two we should also perhaps look at giving Scragg game time in the senior team to see if he’s hard enough.

[RiscaGame]

I’m not fussed about Robson really, but then he’s only really third choice.
Edwards I like and he should’ve played more last season, especially given what we ended up doing with Sage.

[Stone Motif]

Best side:
Williams, Rosser, Warren, Dixon, Hewitt, Davies, Williams, Brown, Dee, Bevington, Hill, Screech, Wainwright, Moriarty , Griffiths

Hibbard, Jarvis, Harris, Nansen, Benjamin, Knoyle, Lewis, Morgan

Probably our best ever side pound for pound. Shame they'll never play much.

In window:

Williams, Rosser, Warren, Dixon, Hewitt, Davies, Williams, Jarvis, Hibbard, Bevington, Davies, Screech, Evans, Basham, Griffiths

Lawrence, Fairbrother, Harris, Williams, Benjamin, Knoyle, Lewis, Morgan

Long story short our tight five gets marmalised in window when we should be mugging teams. Bench impact minimal other than Benjamin/Morgan.

[RiscaGame]

Look about right to me.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Yeah Connor Edwards was solid.

[mikey_dragon]

Basham or Shanks over Benjamin, or if we had another decent lock add him to the bench with Hill or Nansen moving to 6. We need another lock. It still looks like a decent team on paper but that doesn’t count for much. Need to play to our strengths which is the breakdown and getting it wide fast. Hopefully Brown doesn’t get injured and can kick on.

[RiscaGame]

Dragons have apparently signed Griffiths (a youngish centre) from Saracens and a back up 9 of some description.

[Guest]

Dragons have apparently signed Griffiths (a youngish centre) from Saracens and a back up 9 of some description.

‘of some description’! Welcome to the world of bargain basement pro rugby shopping, a la The Dragons!

[Stone Motif]

Don't know Griffiths, quick Google says he's been p7ssing about at London Scottish/playing 7s but then we are talking about a club with ridiculous depth. Guessing outside centre?

[mikey_dragon]

Dragons have apparently signed Griffiths (a youngish centre) from Saracens and a back up 9 of some description.

‘of some description’!  Welcome to the world of bargain basement pro rugby shopping, a la The Dragons!

Depressing. Straight outta the Jackman shopping list.

[RiscaGame]

Dragons have apparently signed Griffiths (a youngish centre) from Saracens and a back up 9 of some description.

‘of some description’!  Welcome to the world of bargain basement pro rugby shopping, a la The Dragons!

Wait and see. Maybe he’s worthy of a back up 9, when other Rhodri wasn’t too bad?

[Stone Motif]

Dragons have apparently signed Griffiths (a youngish centre) from Saracens and a back up 9 of some description.

‘of some description’!  Welcome to the world of bargain basement pro rugby shopping, a la The Dragons!

Wait and see. Maybe he’s worthy of a back up 9, when other Rhodri wasn’t too bad?

It's Rhys Webb innit. Part of a WRU conspiracy to end Aled Davies reign of terror before the World Cup.

[Guest]

Dragons have apparently signed Griffiths (a youngish centre) from Saracens and a back up 9 of some description.

‘of some description’!  Welcome to the world of bargain basement pro rugby shopping, a la The Dragons!

Wait and see. Maybe he’s worthy of a back up 9, when other Rhodri wasn’t too bad?

I was just having a bit of fun

Other teams buy scrum halves with a good pedigree, maybe won some silverware, someone who will add something. I just liked your wording 'of some description', like he could be a 2nd row who can pass OK so we've signed him as a back up scrum half!

[Guest]

I also maybe musunderstood your post - were you saying we've signed Griffiths the centre AND we've signed a back up 9 of some description (that's what I assumed), or that we've signed Griffiths who is a centre but also a back up 9???

[RiscaGame]

The former. Signed two players apparently. The 9 is a 9, but haven’t got a name sorry.

Worst rumours ever ha.

[Stone Motif]

The former. Signed two players apparently. The 9 is a 9, but haven’t got a name sorry.

Worst rumours ever ha.

Where's Habberfield going?

[RiscaGame]

I am not sure it’s him, but that would be great.

[Guest]

Brok has re-signed (important use of the hyphen there ). Good news.

[Stone Motif]

Brok has re-signed (important use of the hyphen there ). Good news.

See I'm not so sure, I know we're not even in the marketplace as far as buying in front five quality goes but he's got his limitations. Hope we're not spending too much.

[Guest]

Brok has re-signed (important use of the hyphen there ). Good news.

See I'm not so sure, I know we're not even in the marketplace as far as buying in front five quality goes but he's got his limitations. Hope we're not spending too much.

I know he’s not ‘world class’ but I think he’s been one of our best scrummaging options for the past few years so, for the money (and without knowing what money that is. I’m guessing not a huge amount. And I’m basing this on the money being the same rather than an improved contract - surely not at his age?), I see this re-signing as less risky than signing someone from outside on around the same money who could a) not settle and b) not be very good (or both). So Brok is perhaps a safer option as someone who is already integrated in the club, knows the systems, we know his strengths and limitations.... he can just get on with the job albeit in a non-stellar, non-amazing way. Just solid I guess. Or to put it another way, if he didn’t sign we’d be taking a punt on an new prop not already snapped up by a club for the same salary as Brok (so a bit average probably), and our history shows that probably 1 in 5 average/bargain basement players actually turns out any good!

Off on a tangent a bit, but what I’d really like to see is Leon Brown kick on and fulfil the early promise shown. Had a few injuries but if fit and firing, and well coached, I think he could be great for us.

[Stone Motif]

Brok has re-signed (important use of the hyphen there ). Good news.

See I'm not so sure, I know we're not even in the marketplace as far as buying in front five quality goes but he's got his limitations. Hope we're not spending too much.

I know he’s not ‘world class’ but I think he’s been one of our best scrummaging options for the past few years so, for the money (and without knowing what money that is. I’m guessing not a huge amount. And I’m basing this on the money being the same rather than an improved contract - surely not at his age?), I see this re-signing as less risky than signing someone from outside on around the same money who could a) not settle and b) not be very good (or both). So Brok is perhaps a safer option as someone who is already integrated in the club, knows the systems, we know his strengths and limitations.... he can just get on with the job albeit in a non-stellar, non-amazing way. Just solid I guess. Or to put it another way, if he didn’t sign we’d be taking a punt on an new prop not already snapped up by a club for the same salary as Brok (so a bit average probably), and our history shows that probably 1 in 5 average/bargain basement players actually turns out any good!

Off on a tangent a bit, but what I’d really like to see is Leon Brown kick on and fulfil the early promise shown. Had a few injuries but if fit and firing, and well coached, I think he could be great for us.

I take the point he may be the best we can afford. Do wonder what they're paying Domachawski at the Blues as I write that mind.

Did you pick up the bit about an initial short term deal? Could either mean we are hoping to pick up a replacement after the world cup or there are some injury concerns. Probably the latter.

[Guest]

Brok has re-signed (important use of the hyphen there ). Good news.

See I'm not so sure, I know we're not even in the marketplace as far as buying in front five quality goes but he's got his limitations. Hope we're not spending too much.

I know he’s not ‘world class’ but I think he’s been one of our best scrummaging options for the past few years so, for the money (and without knowing what money that is. I’m guessing not a huge amount. And I’m basing this on the money being the same rather than an improved contract - surely not at his age?), I see this re-signing as less risky than signing someone from outside on around the same money who could a) not settle and b) not be very good (or both). So Brok is perhaps a safer option as someone who is already integrated in the club, knows the systems, we know his strengths and limitations.... he can just get on with the job albeit in a non-stellar, non-amazing way. Just solid I guess. Or to put it another way, if he didn’t sign we’d be taking a punt on an new prop not already snapped up by a club for the same salary as Brok (so a bit average probably), and our history shows that probably 1 in 5 average/bargain basement players actually turns out any good!

Off on a tangent a bit, but what I’d really like to see is Leon Brown kick on and fulfil the early promise shown. Had a few injuries but if fit and firing, and well coached, I think he could be great for us.

I take the point he may be the best we can afford. Do wonder what they're paying Domachawski at the Blues as I write that mind.

Did you pick up the bit about an initial short term deal? Could either mean we are hoping to pick up a replacement after the world cup or there are some injury concerns. Probably the latter.

No I didn't see that bit. Only saw the Twitter post so didn't see any details. Yes a bit worrying if only a short term deal unless there's someone else on the horizon.

[Guest]

Tom Griffiths signing now official. The centre form Sarries. Even made the beeb:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/48711189

[maestegmafia]

Big fast lad, got a good step. Hopefully will do well

[RiscaGame]

Did well to complete that one, given that Ospreys were apparently interested too (according to the Rugby Paper).

[maestegmafia]

Not seen much of him, there didn’t seem to be many videos online of him playing either.

[Guest]

Did well to complete that one, given that Ospreys were apparently interested too (according to the Rugby Paper).

See, I'm hoping that this is the Dean Ryan factor. I know he's not a stellar signing as DoR but he's been in and around the top end of the English game for a long time, has lots of fingers in lots of pies and he's a bit of a name (although not the biggest). So I like to think that this signing came off because of Ryan and his links to England the club game there. Not sure Griffiths would have signed for Jackman or Kingsley, and might have chosen Ospreys just for the relative status of the two clubs. So hopefully he can convince others to choose us over Welsh rivals.

[RiscaGame]

Fingers crossed. I did see that Ceri had done a lot of the work, but I think Ryan is quite a decisive factor definitely.

[maestegmafia]

Looking like the two of them might forge a decent coaching team?

[Guest]

I wouldn’t be against Ceri staying on as head coach with Ryan as DoR. Has Jones’ role been announced yet?!

The Dragons’ form and wins certainly improved under Jones with very little turnaround time and we got a few welsh derby wins under him. A few hammerings too though! He’s worked with Ryan at Worcester too and Ryan gave Jones his break in coaching I think, so I think its fairly likely Jones will be kept in his current role, unless I’ve missed something in the press.

[mikey_dragon]

Yeah Jones has done really well all things considered, and he wasn’t afraid of trying new things. I would prefer if he stayed on in some major capacity.

[Guest]

I think Ryan was the big name head honcho role they were talking about. Can’t see another big name coming in under him now. Doubt we could afford a top head coach as well as Ryan.

[RiscaGame]

I think I remember Chris Kirwan saying Jones would revert back to his forwards’ coach role. To be honest, because Ryan is involved with the board and that, it makes sense to have him as DOR and Jones remain Head Coach.

[Guest]

Yep I agree. Unless they’re thinking that Ryan can be DoR and head coach at the same time to save on two salaries, and Jones will be on a smaller supporting coach salary. That’d be sad if so. Would much prefer Ryan DoR, Jones head coach but perhaps with a remit for forwards too (if that can be combined) and then the other specialist coaches like backs and skills, etc.

[maestegmafia]

Ceri Jones is still a young guy, maybe if Steve Tandy had of had a mentor as commendable as Dean Ryan we might have had better luck with him.

I really hope that Ryan, Jones and their team of coaches can get the potential out of the Dragons next season

[Stone Motif]

Genuine WTF moment reading the article on Tom Griffiths in the Argus, some guy commented that 13 is our problem position. Love to know the thought process behind that one. Probably thinks we need to get it wide fast and target the breakdown too.

Anyway big lump, apparently fast, can play 12, it's another hybrid back/forward inside centre, good acquisition.

[RiscaGame]

Forgot to read the comments

[Stone Motif]

Forgot to read the comments

You should - there was I thinking our most consistent player and our highest ceiling athlete in the backs both play outside centre, thank god this genius was there to disabuse me

[RiscaGame]

Lucky you ha.

[Stone Motif]

Looks like Nansen is only going to the world cup if someone else gets injured.

[RiscaGame]

Good news really. Hope he manages to stay fit. I am sure he is disappointed, so hopefully he will feel like he has a point to prove, even if the Samoa coach probably doesn't watch Dragons too often.

[maestegmafia]

Apparently the Dragons are going to get more cash from the WRU...!

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/welsh-region-extra-funding-rugby-16509076

[mikey_dragon]

Good. Isn’t Nehaz Chaparro available after the World Cup?

[RiscaGame]

Did anybody read The Rugby Paper, about it? That Wail article didn't say much and then just said read the full article in TRP. It's not very clear what money we are getting.

[maestegmafia]

Did anybody read The Rugby Paper, about it? That Wail article didn't say much and then just said read the full article in TRP. It's not very clear what money we are getting.

Can’t find it to read it. I had a look but no luck

[Luckless Pedestrian]

So all in all, a sh!t bit of 'journalism' from the Fail. At least with their usual clickbait stuff there's something at the end of it!

[Stone Motif]

Did anybody read The Rugby Paper, about it? That Wail article didn't say much and then just said read the full article in TRP. It's not very clear what money we are getting.

My guess is this relates to the redevelopment - what other 'unexpected hits' would they have had? It's a sod of a site, which is why all this land grab/sell it for housing stuff was ever nonsense.

[Guest]

Got an email from Dean Ryan the other day. I must be on the Dragons distribution list. Here’s what he had to say, for those who didn’t get one:

“I’d like to thank everyone for the warm welcome I’ve received since it was announced I was joining Dragons.  It is a hugely exciting opportunity to create a new story with the players and staff here at the Dragons and personally for me to be back competing again with this team is a challenge I will relish.

Today is officially my first day with the Dragons, although over the last month I’ve been meeting and listening to coaches, players and management to build up my understanding.

There’s a proud rugby history in Gwent and a passionate support base, but we must face up to some of the complex challenges we have here. We need to be brave enough to make the right decisions to build something different that ensures we make it a truly special place to be a part of the Dragons in the future.
We all want success as soon as possible for the Dragons, but we must move our decision-making to what’s right for the region over the longer term and it’s going to be my responsibility to ensure we get the balance right between the here and now and where we want to get to in the future.

We started back in pre-season training in early June as preparations begin towards achieving our ambitions, with new players integrating into our squad. Equally pleasing is seeing the dozen players that have committed their future by signing contract renewals.

The players and I need your continued unwavering support over the coming season as I’ve seen what impact on previous visits the passionate backing can have here at Rodney Parade and it’s important that we all get behind the team as we look to move forward.

Enjoy your summer and I hope to see you at Rodney Parade this coming season.

Best wishes

Dean Ryan, Director, Dragons Rugby”

[RiscaGame]

Yeah I had one too. Good to see him at YM now anyway.

[RiscaGame]

Email off the Dragons saying that league fixtures are out this month. That seems pretty early, considering that the season is starting a bit later. Pleasantly surprised.

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