Dai Flanagan believes summer signing Steve Cummins will bring ‘experience’ and ‘steady the ship’ if he makes his long-awaited debut against Benetton Rugby on Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm).
Cummins has been forced to play the waiting game for his BKT United Rugby Championship bow for the Men of Gwent after picking up a hand injury against Hartpury in pre-season.
The vastly experienced 32-year-old is now fully back in training and Flanagan will decide whether to include him as the Italians come to Newport.
“We have Steve (Cummins) up for selection while Cai (Evans) is in the mix, but it's always tough to put people in for a six-day turnaround because the volume of the week doesn't always fit in with that plan,” he said.
“Steve would bring experience and would help steady the ship. He is a quality operator who has played at the highest level in this league, the Top 14 and Super Rugby.
“He's been very frustrated and can't wait to get back out there. We’ve now got a bit more padding around the squad and it gives us options.”
Meanwhile, Flanagan has spoken of his delight after fellow second row Ben Carter signed new terms this week.
The club captain has penned a long-term contract that gives the squad clarity over his future.
“It's fantastic for us, he's really important for us and we didn't want him to go on the market,” said Flanagan.
“We can now look forward and don't have to get to March or April wondering if our captain is staying.
“Ben is part of this leadership group, he is the fabric and will take this region forward. He is important for us.
“He has a massive ceiling. We are starting to see his leadership skills massively improving and we are seeing a new animal around the place.
“He is a player who is energetic and believes in what he can do now. We have big hopes for him.
“I have been pretty busy through the summer on a lot of things and it's great that I can do a handover to Jonathan (Westwood) with a lot of our players already off the market,” he added.
“Jonathan can take a lot of stress off me and allow me to focus on certain areas of our game and environment that need my full attention.
“We have been able to open up that role and get Jonathan's excitement and energy into it.”
WIll Steve Cummins make his debut? Join us Saturday as we face Benetton Rugby at Rodney Parade to find out (kick-off 7.35pm). Tickets for all BKT United Rugby Championship home games are on sale – click HERE to buy online or call the Ticket Office team on 01633 670 690 during office hours.
Steve would bring experience and would help steady the ship. He is a quality operator who has played at the highest level in this league, the Top 14 and Super Rugby...
