Dragons first team squad return to action at Rodney Parade against Scarlets and there's silverware at stake as the two teams contest the Worthington's Challenge Trophy (kick-off 4pm).
Both Dragons and Scarlets have new head honchos in place this season with Brad Moaar now in charge at Parc y Scarlets following Wayne Pivac's departure to join Wales, whilst Dean Ryan's men will fine tune their preparations.
GUARD OF HONOUR supported by Wilko: The home of family value
The teams taking the field to welcome the Dragons and Scarlets on Saturday are from our regional Girls Rugby Clusters, so please welcome: The Arrows, The Jesters and The Knights.
We offer a very warm welcome to all the players, coaches and parents. We hope you all enjoy your Rodney Parade experience. Give them a big cheer as they enter the field of play to welcome the Dragons onto the pitch.
CHARITY COLLECTION: Alice Foundation
Today’s match day collection is for Alice Foundation – Light for life. The charity has been set up to build and maintain a community hub, church and a multi-faith school for families living in hardship in Kamoanna, Chak 238, in the Jaranwala area of Pakistan. For more information visit www.facebook.com/alicelightforlife - many thanks for your support.
BARS
Public Bars open tomorrow from 11.30am in the fanzone marquee and Bisley concourse and Business Lounge for hospitality guests, whilst the Premier Lounge, Rodney's and Watkins concourse bar in the Compeed Terrace opens at 1.30pm.
HALF TIME PRESENTATION: WHEELCHAIR RUGBY
Wheelchair rugby is fast paced, high octane, highly addictive and the only full contact Paralympic sport! Open to men and women with a physical impairment and paraplegics, you can train, play, make new friends and keep fit in this great environment. Be a part of the Dragons Wheelchair Rugby team at Cwmbran Stadium on Tuesdays between 5pm and 7pm.
They are also on the lookout for new sponsors to help us secure chairs and other vital kit. To find out more contact Head Coach Chris Garrett , Kira Philpott 07805308269 or Nigel Way
CASHLESS STADIUM
Supporters are advised that all Rodney Parade bars will be cashless for the 2019/20 season - with only card or mobile payment now accepted.
Rodney Parade is striving to deliver the best possible fan experience at our iconic home, so starting from today’s double-header with Scarlets, bars within the stadium will no longer accept cash.
The venue has operated cashless payment since the start of the season for away football supporters travelling to Rodney Parade and this is now being rolled out across the stadium.
All major contactless debit and credit cards will be accepted, with chip and pin applying for purchases over £30. Mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay will also be able to be used.
TRIBUTE TO OWEN PARFITT
There will be a minute’s applause at Rodney Parade prior to kick off in tribute to Owen Parfitt – a real rugby man and true gentleman of Gwent rugby – who sadly passed away at the start of the month.
Owen was the President of Blackwood RFC who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2012 in recognition of 50 years of service to his community.
The award was another acknowledgement of Owen’s outstanding services to rugby as he has also received the Dragons Volunteer Award in 2009 for his contribution to the sport within the region.
The thoughts of everyone at Dragons Rugby are with Owen’s family and many friends following his sad passing.
