Wing Gareth Wyatt, fly half Craig Warlow, second row Peter Sidoli and hooker Steve Jones have all signed new contracts that will see them remain an integral part of the Men of Gwent.
“Naturally we are delighted that Gareth, Craig, Peter and Steve have signed new contracts with the Region,” commented team manager Jim McCreedy. “They are very much a part of what we want to achieve on the field and their contribution to the team this season has been outstanding. We are delighted they have pledged their future with The Dragons.”
Craig Warlow (52 appearances), Peter Sidoli (71 appearances) and Steve Jones (59 appearances) have been with The Dragons since the formation of Regional rugby.
Speaking on his decision to re-sign Warlow commented, “There is a great potential within the squad and a fantastic team spirit. There is no doubt that this season has been a tough one for everyone involved but we are confident that there are good times ahead. The players have gelled fantastically well and there is a strong belief that we want to fulfil our potential and I very much want to be a part of that.”
Wyatt (35 appearances) joined The Dragons two seasons ago and was performing well until a dislocated elbow sustained in early December left him spending ten weeks on the sidelines. However, Wyatt has recovered from injury and looks set to make his return on Saturday against Irish province Leinster. “
It was very disappointing to pick up an injury especially as I was enjoying a good run of form. However, I am delighted to sign a new contract with the region who are committed to going forward,” commented Wyatt. “There is tremendous team spirit and we are keen to achieve and perform in the Celtic League and ensure we secure Heineken Cup for next season. There is a good squad at The Dragons and we have tremendous support, those were also key factors in me signing a new contract.”
The Dragons continue their battle for Heineken Cup qualification on Saturday when they take on Leinster in a Celtic League clash. Wyatt is welcomed back into the squad after spending ten weeks on the sidelines with a dislocated elbow. The Dragons also welcome back Nathan Brew into the squad following his recovery from a broken thumb. In the forwards Chris Anthony is named in the squad for the first time this season having recovered from a shoulder operation while Dragons new signing Shawn Van Rensburg is also included.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game coach Paul Turner commented,
“We are undefeated at home in 2006 and look to maintain this record on Saturday. Leinster are performing well in the Celtic League and last time out emphatically dispatched of Borders (62-14). Like us they will be without their international players but they have a strong squad of players so it will be another challenge for the Men of Gwent. It is great to have Wyatt, Brew and Anthony all back fit and available for selection. The international season is also a time that challenges the strength of a squad and it is up to the rest of the players to show their ability and maintain standards. The squad are fully aware of the importance of this fixture to ensure we improve on our current League position and it also provides some of our squad players with an excellent opportunity to put their hand up and contribute to the team.”
Speaking on his inclusion in the squad after injury Wyatt commented,
“I am pleased to say that I have recovered from my dislocated elbow and if selected look forward to playing a part in The Dragons match against Leinster on Saturday. It has been frustrating sitting on the sidelines and I cannot wait to contribute to the team’s efforts in climbing the Celtic League table. Leinster will pose a stern challenge on Saturday as even without a number of international players they are still a difficult team to beat. Last time out they enjoyed a good victory and are on a bit of a role, however, we are undefeated at Rodney Parade in 2006 and I would ask the supporters to come out in force on Saturday, show their support to the team and cheer us onto victory. Training has gone well this week and we are all up for the weekend’s game. We are out and about in the community on Friday visiting various parts of the Region and hopefully we will encourage a few more supporters to come down and cheer us on, on Saturday.”
Dragons Squad
Aled Thomas, Leigh Hinton, Gareth Wyatt, Nathan Brew, Jon Bryant, Sione Tuipulotu, Ben Breeze, Richard Fussell, Craig Warlow, Gareth Baber, Adam Black, David Maddocks, Steve Jones, Andy Brown, Rhys Thomas, Gethin Robinson, Chris Anthony, Bryn Griffiths, Peter Sidoli, Andy Hall, Jamie Ringer, Jason Forster (c), Rhys Oakley, Shawn Van Rensburg.
