Dragons RFC are pleased to confirm the appointment of Filo Tiatia as the club’s new Head Coach.
Tiatia – who joined the Men of Gwent as Defence Coach last year and has been working as Interim Head Coach since November – has agreed terms on a multi-year contract to take on the top role at Rodney Parade.
The 53-year-old has also been sanctioned by the Board of Directors to appoint a new senior and experienced Assistant Coach, to work alongside him and the current coaching team.
“I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed Head Coach at Dragons RFC and excited about the challenge ahead,” said Tiatia.
“It’s been a real privilege to work in Gwent rugby throughout this season and now lead the programme here as we look towards a bright future.
“We have a talented squad of players, with a number of young homegrown players coming through our system, and backroom team that I am now looking forward to working with in the seasons to come.”
Former New Zealand international Tiatia has a wealth of professional coaching experience, with spells as Head Coach at Toyota Verblitz and Sunwolves in Japan and as Forwards Coach and Assistant Coach with the Japan national side.
The Wellington-born former back row has also worked in Super Rugby as Forwards Coach for Moana Pasifika and worked as Forwards Coach with Auckland Rugby.
Dragons RFC Chairman, David Wright, said: “We are pleased to be able to appoint Filo to the role of Head Coach.
“We believe his coaching, leadership and expertise will create the environment needed to drive positive change and take our club forward.
“Filo has a wealth of experience and is an innovator, a leader, who has a track record in developing players, coaches, and galvanising squads.
“We accept results this season have not been what our supporters, or indeed we, want. Therefore, we’ve taken our time to complete a full review and make the right decisions for the long-term benefit of Dragons RFC,” he added.
“After detailed conversations with Filo, we are all aligned on the way forward and how strengthening the coaching team will also help us achieve our aims.
“Filo is fully committed to the role, excited by the challenge ahead, and we’ve been impressed by the work he’s already done off the field. We now look forward to a successful future under his leadership.”
It’s been a real privilege to work in Gwent rugby throughout this season and now lead the programme here as we look towards a bright future...
