ROBIN DAVEY is a regular at Rodney Parade, acting as chief rugby writer for the South Wales Argus over the last 42 years before retiring in December. The Argus praised his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game saying he was irreplaceable and that they were ‘pretty sure we won’t see his like again’ but ... he’s back!
His retirement has allowed him to break free of the journalistic shackles and devote more time to his love for the Dragons!
GAVIN Thomas has been around the block with spells at Bridgend, Bath, the Ospreys and the Scarlets - but this evergreen flanker who has been outstanding for the Dragons in his four seasons with them insists he has three more years left in him at the top level.
And few would argue as this 34-year-old flanker who even fought his way back into the Welsh team two years ago continues to turn in consistent performances for the Dragons, frequently being named man-of-the-match.
He puts his body on the line every time he plays; his work at the rucks and mauls is among the best while he is an ever present in support of his backs. For all that, he still believes there are parts of his game where he can improve.
"I feel fit, well and healthy and I don't want to finish yet. It's not something I want to throw away easily. I don't want to finish yet, I've got another three years left yet, no problem," he insists.
"I've only had one major injury (to his Achilles' tendon which brought a controversial end to his time with the Scarlets) and there are still parts of my game where I want to improve like the contact area and carrying the ball."
"You are always trying to learn, but most of it is reacting to different situations and doing things more spontaneously so that it's easier to react more naturally."
Thomas is out of contract at the end of the season but wants to remain at Rodney Parade where he is well settled after his earlier travels.
"It's a good place to play, it's nice playing for a living and rugby has been good to me," reflected this family man who has three children - Matilda, Lola and Jude aged 11, 4 and 15 months, respectively (all named after songs). "They try to bring me down, but I keep upbeat," he joked.
More seriously, Thomas admits fortunes continue to fluctuate heavily at the Dragons though one recent development he finds particularly encouraging - the new gymnasium on site at the lower end of the Rodney Parade ground.
"We haven't got as much as the other regions with facilities and also being all over the place (training elsewhere when the weather is bad), though some matches we have lost as players. But they have just sorted out a new gym so that is going to help with physical ability which is a huge thing in rugby.
"We started in it last week and with the new stand as well this development is as important as the business in general. There's a nice feel here for a big game, there's a nice atmosphere here."
And Thomas admitted candidly, "There's not that much we can look back on to be proud of, we can be going well one season then not do so well the next season. It's down to a combination of things, and we've had a lot of those this season."
Despite the Dragons being out of the Amlin Challenge Cup and LV= Cup competitions and struggling in the RaboDirect Pro12 Thomas believes there remains a lot to play for this season. He sums it up in one word - pride.
"There's pride for the team, for the jersey and as an individual," he said. "You love playing and you don't want to lose, that should always be there. It brings added pressure, but one good win can things turn around for us. Take one game at a time, as they say.”
Though the emphasis is placed more and more on youth with the constant emphasis on the academies, Thomas still believes experience has a vital role to play for the Dragons.
"Experience here is very important, and that's not just on the field but in the environment as well. Experience is very important."
And they don't come much wiser than this terrific back row man who has cemented his place at the Dragons and hopes to be around for a few more years yet.
