For Newport RFC head coach Ty Morris, it’s clear that the young generation of Dragons U18s have been “coached at a really high level” and foresees a “big future” for the talented prospects mid-way through their first season of men’s rugby.
Morris has joined Dragons U18s as a coach this season, having been such a big part of the development of previous Gwent prospects, and is looking forward to “working with all these young talented players”.
Morris expressed his excitement at coaching Dragons U18s after coming in as a breakdown coach.
“I’m thoroughly enjoying it, grateful for the opportunity,” said Morris.
“I got into coaching many, many years ago for helping players develop and as a head coach you step away from that a bit, so it’s been really good stepping down, looking at the micro stuff and working with all these young talented players.
“The breakdown is something as an ex-backrow forward, it was probably the only thing I was good at!
“Around the breakdown area, something that stuck with me for a long time is definitely the detail, I look at even now at Newport more than ever and to be able to give that knowledge back is good.”
Since a difficult start to the season, in which Newport lost their first five games, the club have been flying since, with eight wins in their last nine leaving them in third position in Super Rygbi Cymru.
Amongst the players adding to those who won the title last season are a crop of Dragons youngsters experiencing their first taste of men’s rugby.
Morris outlined the strength of “the region and the academy” with his squad being boosted by Dragons’ newest talents.
One of those experiencing men’s rugby for the first time is forward Cerrig Smith, the recent Welsh U18s captain, with Morris highlighting his “huge future”.
“They are fantastic athletes. Firstly, you can tell they’ve been coached at a really high standard,” said Morris.
“Even though they’re first years into senior rugby they’ve picked it up really well and transitioned into the group.
“In particular, Cerrig has a huge future, he’s very detailed in everything he does, a true professional, while Noah Morgan, Joe Salter, Tiehi Chatham, there’s plenty of them and we are working really hard with them, hopefully giving them plenty of opportunities to further their development.
“It’s credit to the region and the academy, there’s no drop off, in fact these boys are coming in and making us better.”
“In particular, Cerrig has a huge future, he’s very detailed in everything he does, a true professional...
