Dragons RFC head coach Filo Tiatia says he “can’t wait” to go back to the Swansea.com stadium this weekend, a venue he knows well having made 99 appearances for the Ospreys.
The Men of Gwent take on the Swansea based side this Saturday (3pm kick off) in their last game on Welsh soil this season.
Former All Black Tiatia spent five years with the region after joining as a player in the summer of 2006, captaining the side before beginning his coaching development in Swansea.
Tiatia became a key figure at the club scoring the opening try in the final game of the season as Ospreys won the then Magners League title in 2007 before winning his second title with the side in the 2010 grand final.
“I can't wait to get to Swansea,” said Tiatia.
“It’s my old ground and I'm looking forward to seeing some old mates.
“I have a lot of family down there. I say that respectfully, they’re not blood, but they are my family down there and I love the people that I've made strong relationships and bonds over the time that are still strong today.”
Dragons’ head coach also built a strong relationship with the fans at the Swansea.com stadium along with the community, an aspect he is especially passionate about.
“I made a lot of bonds and relationships with the fans and the community at Ospreys,” said Tiatia.
“I was always out in the community, they’re special people, no different to the Dragons and we’ll have some good fans both sides of the fence.”
Both sides come into the final Welsh derby of the season following a defeat at Judgement Day with Ospreys conceding two late tries to lose 19-36 against Cardiff.
Dragons also lost, 23-31 against Scarlets but beat Ospreys in their season opener at Rodney Parade thanks to a late Luke Yendle score and Lloyd Evans conversion.
“They're a very good side,” said Tiatia.
“We had Ospreys first game of the season at Rodney Parade and after that win they'll be waiting for us.
“So we are under no illusions of the DNA of the Ospreys and what's coming.”
