As Dragons RFC look to a new season, with a new dawn and an influx of new players, Head Coach Filo Tiatia has reflected on the 2024/25 season and the learnings taken from a first campaign at the helm.
The former All Black joined the club as Defence Coach ahead of last season before taking the top role on an interim and then permanent basis.
And now the season has concluded, Tiatia has reflected on his first year at the Men of Gwent as preparations begin for a new term.
“Contextually, because I was here the majority of the time by myself, then it’s been a different challenge,” said Tiatia.
“I love my wife so there are the different challenges around the separation of being away from your closest friend, but also my children and I’ve missed them. My faith has kept me levelled and really clear on the reasons why I’m here.
“The support network around our coaching staff and management staff has been exceptional, just making sure around what I need from staff and what they need from me is clear for day to day.
“I’ve learnt lots about patience and what I’ve learnt about living here by myself. I’ve learnt about trying to connect with people I’ve just met and forming relationships.”
Tiatia admits he has “enjoyed” working with Dragons’ younger players this season and helping them develop.
“The youngsters have been exciting to work with they really want to learn,” he said.
“The Dragons Academy programme under us, the coaches are really doing a great job, they’re identifying talent, but it’s about trying to not push them too early to the next level.
“Players like Ryan Woodman who’s played a lot for us this season but people forget he’s still only 21 but he’s played out of position this season and he’s still got some physical development to do but he’s been great to work with, wanting to get better every day.
“Huw Anderson as well at full back, but I could name a lot who’ve been great, we just need to ensure they don’t enter the programme too early and miss out on their development.
“There’s been challenges. I’ve never been in a season where we’ve lost as many players through injuries, that’s been a first and we need to problem solve and find solutions to make sure that doesn’t repeat.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting the players, getting to know them on a personal level and forming relationships, building trust with players and trying to improve them.”
The support network around our coaching staff and management staff has been exceptional and just making sure around what I need from staff and what they need from me is clear for day to day.
