Head Coach Dai Flanagan has praised his ‘awesome’ first year experience with Rodney Parade – and hopes to continue to excite fans of all ages as the club moves forward.
The Men of Gwent play the final home game of the season in Newport on Saturday evening when Connacht Rugby arrive in the BKT United Rugby Championship (kick-off 7.35pm).
Ahead of the Round 15 league encounter, Flanagan has reflected on his first season at the helm at the famous old ground and his ambitions for the future.
“It’s our last game at Rodney Parade this weekend so I’m hoping for a good turnout,” he admitted.
“My first-year experience of Rodney Parade has been awesome.
“Seeing the number of youngsters at games gives me a firm belief that as a club we can flourish in the future.
“It has been a tough time for everyone, but we are trying to thrive through it all,” he added.
“There are things in the environment and things around the place that go unseen. But we are changing and changing for the better.”
Flanagan also singled out the work of the award-winning Dragons Community team in bringing new fans through the gates as a source of huge optimism.
“We’ve hopefully created a new fanbase again this season,” he said.
“Our Community team have been unbelievable this season, with the amount of youngsters we have at every game, and the players have played their part too.
“Win, lose or draw, the players give up time - that is important to me.
“Being from the area, I know we must give up our time up for these kids.
“We want them to have the ambition to play for the Dragons and we want them to have an experience that that want to come back to.
“I believe, with Mike Sage and his department, we have achieved that this season.
“It’s a shame we haven’t got more games, there is nothing like a day in the sun at Rodney Parade, but I’d echo how important our Community department have been to the matchday experience.”
Meanwhile, Flanagan has revealed how a midweek visit from darts champion Gerwyn Price helped prepare the team for the final home game.
“It was a good day,” he said. “We had three packs training in the morning and it was physical, they went at it, and then in the downtime in it was great to have someone like Gezzy come in.
“He almost hit a nine-darter in the gym - he missed his seventh dart to boos - and then to have him do some of the warm-up and the start of the session on the field was good for the group.
“I think he was blowing a bit, though, and he might question his return to rugby!
“It was great to have him come in and we are undoubtedly in a better place. Moods are high, people are excited to go out and play.”
Tickets for the home game with Connacht on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.35pm) remain on sale NOW! Click HERE to buy online or call 01633 670690 today!
Seeing the number of youngsters at games gives me a firm belief that as a club we can flourish in the future...
