Head Coach Dai Flanagan has praised returning Wales ace Rio Dyer – and opened up on how he has seen the speedster develop into an international star.
Dyer is back in the starting line-up and will make his first appearance of the season for the Men of Gwent in the BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Leinster on Sunday (kick-off 1.15pm).
The 23-year-old – who has made 45 appearances for the club – is a product of the Dragons Academy system and Flanagan has spoken about how he has seen the wing develop.
“I knew Rio at 15-years-old and I have seen the transformation in his professionalism,” he said.
“I had time away from him, but then coached him with Wales Under-20s I was really impressed by what I saw.
“When I came back to Gwent, I was even more impressed by him and how he has matured into an ultimate pro with how he does his work.
“He is very aware of how he learns. Some people struggle with that, some try every way from taking a pen to every meeting or sit in the front row of a walkthrough.
“Rio knows ‘I learn this way, so coach me this way and I will be sweet’. That is what Warren (Gatland) has also nailed with him.
“Rio had raw potential at a young age, and he has learnt how to be coached over the years,” he added.
“More importantly, how he has behaved. He is really straight and narrow, one of the most disciplined off the field. That journey has taken time, and you can see that in him.”
Tickets for Leinster at home are on sale NOW – click HERE to buy online or call the Ticket Office team on 01633 670 690 during office hours. Season Memberships for the 2023/24 season are remain on sale NOW! Click HERE to buy today!
When I came back to Gwent, I was even more impressed by him and how he has matured into an ultimate pro with how he does his work...
