Newport Gwent Dragons have today vowed to use the criticism thrown at them as motivation and come back stronger.
Following the disappointment of last week’s loss to Parma, The Dragons have reviewed their position and despite the pessimism voiced by people, many who have never supported the Region, are confident that the robust procedures and strong financial practices put in place means they can continue to build on the foundations laid during the last 12 months and end the boom and bust of previous years.
Commercial Director to The Dragons Gethin Jenkins said, “Contrary to reports The Dragons are far from in financial freefall, for the first time in the history of the Region there is stability and continuity in the playing and backroom management and staff. There remains a tremendous work ethic and team spirit among all those at The Dragons with everyone pulling together to work for the good of the team on and off the field. Financially The Dragons WILL still get all their funding from the WRU and The Dragons remain in a strong and healthy financial position with no mortgages or debts to their name. The Dragons have been in consultation with the Union and they have reiterated that they are pleased with the procedures The Dragons have off field and this has been seen with Rodney Parade hosting all U21 Six Nations home fixtures as well as the Konica Minolta Cup semi final between Cardiff and Pontypridd.
“The idea of The Dragons being a development Region is not even countered. There are two British and Irish Lions in the squad, six members of the Grand Slam winning Welsh team are part of the Men of Gwent and despite unfortunate injuries to Kevin Morgan, Ceri Sweeney and Gareth Cooper coupled with Michael Owen being rested, five of the current Dragons squad is in Argentina with Gareth Jenkins’ Wales team. Hardly a development squad!”
Where The Dragons are proud of development is the fact that on 11 occasions this season, at least 21 out of the 22 players have been Welsh qualified. The Dragons have signed four of the current U19 Grand Slam winning squad and have within the Region seven players in the U19 squad and five in the current U21 World Cup squad.
Rodney Parade boasts one of the best pitches in British rugby with a superb playing surface and is a traditional rugby ground in the sense that supporters are close to the action and thus create a unique atmosphere. The Dragons are aiming to return Rodney Parade into a fortress where they went for almost two seasons unbeaten at home but that’s not to say there can’t be improvements and there will be ground and training redevelopment plans announced shortly.
The European Challenge Shield is where The Dragons are, but while disappointed not to qualify for the Heineken Cup competition have pledged to give it their all in what is a tough competition in its own right especially when you consider Heineken Cup semi finalists Bath, previous winners of the Heineken Cup Brieve and Newcastle are in this competition. The Dragons are waiting for the draw and the prospect of facing some of these tough teams and possibly their rivals from just over the Severn Bridge.
Gethin Jenkins concluded, “Finally, The Dragons will do what they do best and that is fight back against the criticism being levelled at them and rise above the critics who are intent on knocking as they have done since day one. The Dragons have been written off before, labelled a ‘bunch of rejects’ and criticised by people who haven’t even had the courtesy to come and talk with those at Rodney Parade on their thoughts and offer alternative ideas. We have robust practices and strong financial budgets in place. We have worked hard all season in the community offering ticketing initiatives while the squad have held school sessions and question and answer evenings with the community department at the WRU praising our efforts. One thing is for sure everyone at the Region is committed to getting the Dragons roaring once again, write us off at your peril.”
