Dragons Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia has backed wing Rio Dyer to ‘play free’ and bounce back from his omission from the Wales squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
The Men of Gwent had three players named earlier this week – Elliot Dee, Aaron Wainwright and Rhodri Williams – but Dyer was overlooked.
"He was disappointed he missed out. I connected with him that morning, I went out and had a cup of tea with him and his family," said Tiatia.
"He is motivated to action some of the feedback from the Welsh coaches to get better at and get himself back in the frame.
"He can really accelerate some of the superpowers when he does play. He needs to travel light and just play free."
Dyer starts for Dragons as they face Emirates Lions in the EPCR Challenge Cup in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.
"He is just getting on with things," added Tiatia. "He is back in the saddle and is pretty motivated and has been impressive this week.
"We are happy that he is with us but not happy that he has not been picked. The more players that get opportunities to play for their country, the merrier."
He can really accelerate some of the superpowers when he does play. He needs to travel light and just play free...
