Head Coach Dai Flanagan has praised the immediate impact of Wales ace Dan Lydiate - after the back row ace checked into HQ at Ystrad Mynach this week.
The squad are busy preparing for derby day as they face local rivals Cardiff Rugby at Rodney Parade in the BKT United Rugby Championship on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).
And preparations have only stepped up a notch with the arrival of Lydiate following his exploits with Wales in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, according to Flanagan.
“There has been a good edge to training this week,” he said. “The best way I can describe it is that Dan Lydiate met Brodie Coghlan. If you know those two characters you know the sort of day we have had.
“Dan wants to play, and he is up for selection. We have got to make the right decision for the team and the group.
“His physicality is second to none. What has been impressive has been his ability to learn so quickly.
“He has had two days with us and picked up everything. He doesn’t look a step off beat. That is no surprise and that is why he is a British Lion and has been a top end international for so long.
“He was in the first team meeting on Monday morning, and you notice the group are suddenly aware he is there. That is the effect he has.
“In terms of selection, we have a group of players who had done 22 weeks of work for these two games. We’ve got to do what is right for the group,” he added.
“Culturally, is it right for him to come in? If he adds to us to win the game that might outweigh it. It’s a big decision and you will only know if it’s right if it comes off.
Meanwhile, Flanagan has given a fitness update on Cai Evans, Leon Brown, and Ashton Hewitt ahead of the derby encounter on home soil.
He said: “Cai can return if we need him. He can make the seven-day turnaround, but he plays for Dragons so you can figure out his plan this week.
“We need to treat our people well and treat them correctly.
“Leon and Ashton have been up for selection the last two weeks, it is about getting them right,” he added. “The longer time goes on the closer they will be to selection.
“It would be great to see them both this weekend. Ashton adds something different, and Leon is a fantastic player who makes an impact.
“We need to weigh up when we introduce them and, if included, they will add to us.“
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He has had two days with us and picked up everything. He doesn’t look a step off beat. That is no surprise and that is why he is a British Lion and has been a top end international for so long...
