The success of The Dragons academy has been there for all Dragons supporters to see. Five current members of the academy have played for the senior side this season, while scrum half Alex Walker a former member of the academy was rewarded with a development contract at the end of last season and has established himself in the starting line up for the Men of Gwent.
Naturally academy manager John Williams has been pleased with the progress of the academy saying, "It has been quite astounding in terms of the young players being given the exposure to realise their professional dreams. The Dragons senior coaching team, have realised that the academy environment is conducive to developing the players they require in the professional game. The players are well prepared physically, tactically and technically, the only component that was missing was the exposure to the senior environment and game time. They have also recognised that the academy players are their future, taking calculated risks when the players are eighteen and nineteen years of age, will invariably pay huge dividends in two or three years time. Through constant dialogue since pre season training, we have worked closely together to plan and chose the right games, in the right competition and with the right blend of experience and youth in each of the games.
"The other positive element to come out of this exposure has to be the impact it has had on the younger players in the academy. The young academy players can see that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and if they carry on applying themselves the opportunities will arise.
"From a development perspective the Dragons are setting the standards in terms of breathing youth, vitality and longevity in to the Gwent Region and Welsh Rugby as a whole."
