Mefin Davies has praised the young stars now at his disposal at Dragons – and believes they can shine for years to come at Rodney Parade.
Forwards Coach Davies is part of a new-look coaching team after linking up with Dean Ryan for a second spell, after the pair previously worked together at Worcester Warriors.
The former Wales international front rower was keen to watch and get to know his new players for the first time during the final two games of the Guinness PRO14 season.
And with Bristol Bears in the European quarter-finals now looming large on the horizon, Davies firmly believes Dragons can look forward to a bright future.
“Seeing the sessions and watching the talent we have in the young boys; I do believe we have a squad that will star in the future. They are so talented the boys that have stood out,” he said.
“The playing squad and the region is actually right across Wales from where I live so that was a challenge that I was expecting.
“There are players I know here like Richard Hibbard and a lot of the young boys who were in the Ospreys Academy that have come to Dragons. It is interesting to see where people settle.”
While Davies has had to get used to some new faces in the playing squad he believes the opposite is true of a coaching team that already have a strong bond.
“The one thing that has stood out is that I already know most of the coaching team,” he smiled.
“I know Dean, Gordon Ross, Simon Cross and Luke Narraway. These are people I know well, not people I don’t understand or know at all. We have that connection already and that can only be a benefit.”
Director of Dragons Rugby, Ryan, has labelled Davies as one of the ‘best scrum coaches around’ following his appointment and the ex-hooker acknowledges he has some great talent to work with.
“Leon (Brown) is a big talent,” said Davies. “He’s a young boy, but that is what we want, people that want to learn, want to work together.
“(Richard) Hibbard has done almost everything in the rugby world and has plenty of experience. But, to be fair, he still wants to play and that is fantastic for us as a region.
“Then we have Elliot (Dee), another international hooker that is still young and currently fighting for that jersey for Wales.”
And while the front row resources have undoubtedly impressed Davies, he believes star centre Nick Tompkins has already shown that he is a key recruit.
“Nick stands out to me,” said Davies. ”He has come from a huge club (in Saracens) and he talks well and is a character.
“He has an opinion, is good on the field, works hard and is lively as a player.
“We will lose him to Welsh squad, which is great for him, so it’s important the other boys step in and take the chances that come to them.”
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“He has an opinion, is good on the field, works hard and is lively as a player
