Newport Gwent Dragons today unveiled their new European jersey. The home shirt is predominantly black with red and amber piping whilst the away jersey is white again with amber and red piping.
“We have decided to launch a new shirt for our European campaign and think the jersey that has been designed is one that not only looks good on the field but looks good off field as a leisure jersey. I believe the jersey we have for our European campaign is modern looking reflecting the ambition of our squad in Europe’s premier club competition,” commented Chief Executive Andy Marinos.
The Dragons will first wear the European shirt on 23rd October when they face Newcastle Falcons at Rodney Parade and the kit will be available from the club shop from October 10th.
However, before all that The Dragons face a stern test on Friday night with the visit of Leinster to Rodney Parade kick off 7.05pm. Leinster have named a strong squad packed full of Irish internationals such as Brian O’Driscoll, Shane Horgan, Malcolm O’Kelly and Victor Costello. Meanwhile The Dragons will delay naming their side until tomorrow instead announcing a squad. The fitness of Chris Anthony and Richard Bryan will be monitored in training this afternoon and a decision on them made. The Dragons have two players playing in the Welsh Premiership this evening Craig Warlow and Ross Beattie playing for Bedwas. These players have missed the first three Celtic League games and will be watched closely by Dragons management this evening. The games also allow the players to gain match fitness.
Commenting on the delay to selection Chris Anderson said, “The match on Friday night is a huge challenge for The Dragons. We are looking to maintain fortress Rodney Parade and there is no sterner test than the one Leinster will pose. We therefore have to get our selection absolutely right and we cannot afford to have players carrying injury or who have not had sufficient match practice. We will see how the boys go tonight in the Premiership and see if Chris Anthony and Richard Bryan are fit before we make a decision on our team.”
Tickets for this much anticipated fixture are selling well and a rush on tickets is expected within the next forty eight hours. The Dragons, therefore, are urging supporters to book their tickets early and to also take advantage of the special advance booking prices. The Family Village will be open before the match and is sponsored by Hasbro, XL Wales and University of Wales, Newport.
