Argentine scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou has vowed to do everything to help Dragons ‘build something great’ – after making Rodney Parade his new home.
Pumas star Bertranou – who has made 14 appearances for the Men of Gwent – will line up against Benetton Rugby this evening in Newport (kick-off 7.35pm) eager to play a big role.
The 28-year-old has become a popular figure since his arrival just under a year ago in February 2021.
And the Mendoza-born international has high aspirations – for both Dragons and Argentina – as he looks ahead to a busy 2022.
“When I got the offer from the Dragons, and I got really excited about them and about what we try to build here,” he said.
“I know that now is it a hard space for us, we are not playing as good as we want, but we are building something great in a good environment and we are trying our best.
“We are training hard to get where we want to be, and I don't accept being on the bottom of the table. We are trying to always hit higher and higher standards.”
As for life in Wales, Bertranou has revealed how he has settled into his new surroundings.
“I enjoy my rugby and have settled in well over the last year,” he said. “The club really helped me, and the boys are good people to be surrounded with, and also the coaches and the staff.
“Sorting an apartment and all the little things when you are in a foreign place is difficult, but I have had a lot of support.
“Life is different here, not just because of the weather. It’s a different country, different culture, different people, but life is life.
“Here rugby is massive. All the people don't care if you work in a shop, drive a taxi, everyone knows about rugby, the national team and what is going on.
“That's really exciting for me, to be in a country where rugby is the first sport.”
Read more about Gonzalo’s story in latest edition of ‘The Dragon’ match day programme. Click HERE to discover more.
Here rugby is massive. All the people don't care if you work in a shop, drive a taxi, everyone knows about rugby, the national team and what is going on....
