Dragons Pair Return to Boost the Squad
Newport Gwent Dragons will be strengthened by the return of Wales squad pair Rhys Thomas and Luke Charteris when they travel to face Pool Five leaders Toulouse in the Heineken Cup on Saturday 6 December, kick-off 2.35pm
Dragons lock Luke Charteris returns to the Men of Gwent lifted by Wales’ victory over Australia and confident that the Dragons have what it takes against treble European champions Toulouse in the competition:
“While away with the Wales squad I learnt a lot from the environment and am looking forward to bringing that type of intensity to the Dragons for this weekend’s Heineken Cup game against a quality side,” said Luke.
He added: “I’ve got a little bit of homework to do this week, reacquainting myself with all the calls and systems, but it’s great to be back with the boys and it’s good to see that they are all feeling confident ahead of this weekend.”
Dragons prop Rhys Thomas commented: “It was a great experience to be involved in the Wales squad and I’m also pleased to return for the opportunity to play one of the best teams in Europe. On a personal level I’m looking to get in some game time and also to help to team back to winning ways.”
Head Coach Paul Turner said: “It’s always a boost for the squad to see the return of international players and this week is no exception with the return of Luke and Rhys.”
He added: “Yet again we are faced with a tough challenge away from home and against one of the best squads in Europe. Like us they will have a lot of players returning from international duty. Their top 14 form has been good of late and we will have to be at our best defensively and offensively to get the desired result.”
The squad to face Toulouse is as follows:
Backs: Phillip Dollman, Marc Stcherbina, Ashley Smith, Rory Sidey, Richard Fussell, Gareth Wyatt, Rhodri Gomer Davies, James Arlidge, Shaun Connor, Wayne Evans, Robert Lewis
Forwards: Adam Black, Rhys Thomas, Gethin Robinson, Danny Lydiate, Tom Willis, Steve Jones, Jamie Ringer, Colin Charvis, Joe Bearman, Hoani MacDonald, Luke Charteris, Andrew Hall, Lewis Evans
