Boss Dai Flanagan lauded the performances of returning duo Angus O’Brien and Leon Brown in the derby day victory over Ospreys.
Full back O’Brien endured a frustrating campaign in 23/24 as injuries limited him to just four appearances.
The 30-year-old returned to Rodney Parade for his first time in 11 months and was instrumental as the Men of Gwent produced a stirring fight back to win 23-21 on home soil. “
You can hear him from the terraces. He is an ultra-competitor, but he also brings clarity and calmness with his communication,” said Flanagan.
“He was like a new signing for us. Two seasons ago he played full-back and was player of the year and arguably was close to Wales selection.
“He can play 10 at a high standard as well and it’s just nice to have some depth because we still have Will Reed, who is on an upward curve after the learnings from last year, and Cai Evans.”
Brown was also a key figure in the opening day success as he featured for an hour.
Flanagan, though, will continue with his plan to rotate the 27-year-old as he looks to maximise his game time in the 24/25 season.
“He was excellent against the Ospreys, but Leon will have one of the next two off because we want him for multiple years,” he stated.
“The challenge is making him better and better and better because there are few tightheads like Leon Brown in the UK.
“We have been aligned with the WRU since the Six Nations. We knew we needed to make him strong and that means he can compete at this level and higher.
“We have taken our time and communicated throughout the process; we saw a bit of the reward against the Ospreys.”
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You can hear Angus from the terraces... He is an ultra-competitor, but he also brings clarity and calmness with his communication...
