Head Coach Dai Flanagan has praised the performance of hooker James Benjamin in South Africa – insisting he is one of the most talented players in the club’s squad.
Benjamin is one of the club’s home-grown talents having progressed through the Dragons Academy and age grade sides.
The Newport-born forward made his senior debut for Dragons at flanker against Wasps at Rodney Parade in 2013.
Benjamin - who has also impressed on the Sevens stage and was part of the Welsh squad for the Commonwealth Games in 2018 – has also operated at centre before transitioning to hooker in recent seasons.
And Flanagan has been thrilled with the way Benjamin has showcased his ability in South Africa with a try against Emirates Lions on his first start for the club in the front row.
“I've known Jumbo since he was 17 when I was first in Gwent and he is one of the most talented players in the squad,” he said.
“They tried to change him from seven to 12 initially and now he's gone to two. I wouldn’t even say he is a developing hooker after that performance (against Lions), he's made the switch now.
“He has stood up and said that he is ready to play and for us to build that depth out here is great.
“What a place to come and test yourself - against South African packs in South Africa,” he added.
“Mef (Davies) is an extremely good scrum coach, Luke (Narraway) is an extremely good lineout coach.
“They are working hard with him and making sure that he is developing. We saw that with the way that he stepped in and played.”
I wouldn’t even say he is a developing hooker after that performance (against Lions), he's made the switch now...
