Dai Flanagan praised the impact and potential of young Dragons Academy product Ryan Woodman after his club debut.
Woodman became cap number 234 when he came on a second half replacement in the EPCR Challenge Cup defeat to Section Paloise.
The 18-year-old from Caldicot – who has featured for Newport RFC this season - impressed with several strong carriers and in the set piece.
And Head Coach Flanagan was thrilled with the impact of another talented young forward who he vowed the club will now nurture carefully.
“Ryan was excellent when he came on,” said Flanagan.
“I know that he only had 10 minutes, but he was outstanding, managing space in the wide channels, controlling the lineout and pinching one off Pau.
“He is a talented kid, but we are not going to rush his development, that’s for sure.
“Wales Under-20s is his big window coming up and the priority for his game time.”
Meanwhile, Flanagan has confirmed Wales international second row Ben Carter is set to be ruled out until next year.
The 21-year-old landed was injured in the final team run ahead of the EPCR Challenge Cup opener against the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg.
“Ben will be out until just before the Six Nations probably, but there is no operation required,” said Flanagan.
“It’s good for him that it’s not a very long-term injury, so he can getting cracking with his rehab now.
“He is a talented kid and we are going to miss him, just like we miss Will Rowlands, but we trust Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, George Nott, Sean Lonsdale and Huw Taylor, so we will be fine there.”
I know that he only had 10 minutes, but he was outstanding, managing space in the wide channels, controlling the lineout and pinching one off Pau...
