Gwent has always been a breeding ground for top talent - and the current crop are no different.
No fewer than 11 Dragons Academy and Senior Academy players have made appearances this term for Dragons with Harri Ackerman, Huw Anderson, Oli Andrew, Che Hope, Morgan Lloyd and Joe Westwood all lining up in the backline.
Plus, there have been appearances for forwards Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Sam Scarfe and Ryan Woodman. Meanwhile, teenagers Evan Minto and Nick Thomas have both made their debuts.
The long list of talent follows on from the Gwent spine Dragons have always developed.
Internationals Taine Basham, Ben Carter, Elliot Dee and Rio Dyer have all come through the Gwent system, as have co-captain Angus O’Brien and vice captains Harrison Keddie and Aneurin Owen.
As we prepare to celebrate Origin Round in the BKT United Rugby Championship, it is important to note the impact our local Gwent clubs have had on the past, present and future Dragons who are striving to represent their communities at the highest level.
Blackwood, Caerleon, Caerphilly, Caldicot, Cwmbran, Garndiffaith, Newbridge, Newport High School Old Boys, Penallta, Pill Harriers, Risca, Talywain and Whitehead are just some of the clubs who have played a significant role in the development of our current squad, providing a Gwent grounding from which Dragons can thrive.
The influence of those clubs along with Super Rygbi Cymru sides Ebbw Vale, Newport and Pontypool has been felt throughout this season with players gaining experience and match fitness at the Gwent giants.
With all three Gwent clubs fighting high up in the table, it has been an opportunity for Academy players such as Anderson, Scarfe, Owen Conquer and Thomas to test themselves against experienced campaigners whilst learning week in week out with invaluable match experience.
Woodman and Ackerman who came through Caldicot RFC and Newbridge RFC respectively, both went on to captain Wales U20s last year and the strong Dragons contingent at age grade international rugby has continued into 2025.
Dragons had seven players in the Wales Under 20s squad named at the start of the Six Nations, joint most of any club, with Harri Ford, Logan Franklin, Owain James, Ryan Jones, Harry Rees-Weldon, Minto and Thomas.
Five Dragons, more than any other side, were named in the first game to face France, with Jones also getting an opportunity against Italy.
They have already more than played their part.
Thomas had seven lineout takes before his injury in the first half of the game versus France, Minto has made 31 tackles so far in the tournament, meanwhile Ford slotted a touchline conversion and a nerveless penalty to kick his side to victory against Italy.
January and February have also seen the return of the RAG championships with Dragons Under-18s in action.
After a tough opening day defeat to Ospreys, our young Dragons scored six tries against RGC and following a tough game against group leaders Scarlets, scored five tries in a superb 26-29 win at Cardiff Arms Park.
Securing third in the group stages leaves Dragons with a semi-final clash against Ospreys this Sunday in Llandovery.
Led by captain Cerrig Smith’s industrious display from the front, several young Dragons have impressed, including Tiehi Chatham with his ball-carrying and the speed and power of wing Rhys Cole who has beaten 16 defenders so far in the competition.
A win on Sunday would mean Dragons go through to face either Scarlets or Cardiff in the final, while also providing a huge psychological boost as the players look to gain national Under-18 honours later this year as our youngs stars look to take their Gwent grounding to international success.
