As we head into December our award-winning Dragons Community team are finalising their preparations for a busy run of home fixtures.
Children from all across Gwent will descend on Rodney Parade for skills camps or on gameday for a chance to share the pitch with their heroes, writes Pete Ryan.
One of those who had the pleasure of running out on Rodney as a youngster was current Dragons back Huw Anderson.
“It means so much to me to play for my home region,” said Anderson.
“As a kid coming through the grassroots setup, I used to go and watch the Dragons, and sometimes even got to wave the flag on the pitch at Rodney Parade with Caerphilly RFC.
“Running out onto that same pitch now feels surreal, especially seeing all the kids doing what I used to do.”
While Head of Community Mike Sage bangs the drum on gameday we will continue to do so on their work throughout the community, with skills camps in December set to inspire a whole new generation of Welsh rugby stars.
Anderson along with his teammates returned to Caerphilly over the summer, helping kids of all ages with their rugby skills at one of several summer camps held throughout the Dragons community.
“Caerphilly RFC means a lot to me because it’s where I first started playing rugby and fell in love with the game,” said Anderson.
“Rugby means everything to me. I’ve only ever wanted to play rugby since I first started at the age of six.
“I grew up playing it and watching it, and it has always been a massive part of my life.
“If it weren’t for my local club, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today, playing rugby as my profession.”
The fullback or wing had something of a breakthrough season last year for Dragons, nominated for young player of the year and winning try of the season for his 70-metre score v Newcastle.
That followed on from an impressive few seasons with Wales U20s where the former Pontypool RFC player scored on debut against Scotland and also at the World Championships against New Zealand.
“It was a really proud moment for me and my family to put on the red jersey,” said Anderson.
“A lot of hard work and effort over the years paid off, and after missing out on getting a cap in the World Championship before that Six Nations, it made the experience feel even more special.”
Now, like any youngster who grows up loving the game, Anderson wants to push on and gain senior honours, having had a taste of the Welsh camp during last years’ Autumn as a development player.
“I think if you ask any rugby player in Wales about their ambitions, it would always be to play for and represent Wales.,” said Anderson.
“It has always been my aspiration since I was a kid, and it always will be.”
Want to know more about match day opportunities for your junior team with our award-winning Dragons Community team? Email mike.sage@dragonsrfc.wales for more information.
As a kid coming through the grassroots setup, I used to go and watch the Dragons, and sometimes even got to wave the flag on the pitch at Rodney Parade with Caerphilly RFC...
