We take a closer look at the Dragons nominee for the coveted fly half position in the Regional All Stars Ultimate XV poll in association with doopoll … Jason Tovey.
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The record points scorer for the region he enjoyed three stints at Rodney Parade (2007-12, 2013-2016, 2018-19), and the sheer weight of points separates Tovey from the rest.
As an exciting young talent in the Dragons Academy, Tovey made his Newport debut against Aberavon in 2006 at Rodney Parade and became the youngest ever Newport Premier League player and scored two tries from full back against Maesteg to become their youngest Premier League try scorer.
A senior Dragons debut followed against Ospreys in April 2008 and he began collecting more records.
The only player to rack up over 1,000 points for the region, the next player in the all-time points record books is Ceri Sweeney almost 500 points in arrears, Jason landed 135 conversions, 202 penalties (including 7 in one game against Ospreys in 2010 in a personal haul of 25 points in that game) and 16 drop goals, all of which place him at the top of the individual charts.
He also scored 17 tries for Dragons in 178 appearances over 9 seasons, including a first hat- trick for Dragons against Ulster in February 2009.
Tovey was named in the senior Wales squad to tour North America in 2008, but a Heineken Cup play-off prevented him from playing and was again named in the Wales training squad prior to the 2011 Rugby World Cup but injury forced him to withdraw.
Returning to Wales after being with Edinburgh, he joined Morgan Stoddart at Cross Keys, but was promoted back to the Dragons first team and added a further 58 points to his tally to take him past the 1,000 point milestone. A conversion in his final match as a replacement against Scarlets secured a first Judgement Day victory for Dragons at Principality Stadium.
If the previous 1007 points hadn’t already done it, those precious extra two at the home of Welsh rugby certainly cemented him as a fans favourite. Comments from voters say it all, “consistent. Loyal. points machine” “record holder” “Jason played with distinction and always wore his heart on his sleeve”.
