Willis Set for Heineken Debut
Head Coach Paul Turner has announced a 28-man squad and the return of captain Tom Willis for the Heineken Cup opener against Glasgow Warriors at Rodney Parade on Saturday 11 October, kick-off 2.30pm.
The Dragons hooker was rested last weekend as the Men of Gwent triumphed over Newcastle Falcons in the EDF Energy Cup at Rodney Parade. He is looking forward to leading the team on Saturday for his Heineken Cup debut.
Tom said: “It feels great to be back this week for arguably the finest rugby tournament around and one in which we truly will be tested by some of the finest teams in Europe.
“We have a very challenging pool but it’s going to be a heck of an experience for us throughout this competition.
“Being the first week of preparation for this tournament has put an extra spring in the lads’ step and brought an extra edge to training.
“It was great last week for the team to grind out another win and continue to build the momentum we've gained thus far.”
Also returning to the squad this week are flanker Joe Bearman, prop Rhys Thomas, lock Luke Charteris and back row Grant Webb. Aaron Coundley from the Dragons Academy also joins the forwards for training this week.
In the backs, the Dragons welcome the return of fly half James Arlidge and centre Ashley Smith who returns from a hamstring injury initially picked up in the second game of the season against the Scarlets in the Magners League.
The squad is as follows:
Forwards: Steve Jones, Aaron Coundley, Andrew Hall, Adam Jones, Joe Bearman, Rhys Thomas, Lewis Evans, Luke Charteris, Colin Charvis, Adam Black, Tom Willis (captain), Grant Webb, Dan Lydiate, Ricahrd Parks, Jamie Ringer.
Backs: Gareth Wyatt, Phillip Dollman, Wayne Evans, Marc Stcherbina, Robert Lewis, Rory Sidey, Richard Fussell, Jason Tovey, Shaun Connor, James Arlidge, Ashley Smith, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Tal Selley.
