Dragons outside half Ceri Sweeney talks about life at the region, his last minute winning kick against Glasgow and his aspirations for the season ahead.
The stage was set, The Dragons had the chance to clinch an opening Magners League win of the season, all it would take was for them to land a penalty and win the game. But Ceri Sweeney missed the kick and there were only minutes left on the clock. However, The Dragons were given a reprieve, Glasgow crept off side and the referee awarded the visitors a penalty and the chance for Sweeney to make amends. This kick, however, was more difficult, just metres in from the touchline but in typical Sweeney style he landed the more difficult kick! Describing the dramatic final moments of that game he said, "I missed the kick before which I was disappointed with but I put that out of my mind and visualised I was on the training pitch not in a game situation and just concentrated on my technique and luckily it went over."
Sweeney was eight when he first started playing in school but really caught the bug after going along with his father on a Saturday to watch the rugby and also to get out of his mum's hair! From school Sweeney played mini rugby and then joined the youth set up at Pontypridd. He played fullback in his first game and since then has played outside half.
Sweeney is in his third season with The Dragons and describes life at the region as "Awesome. There is a very good feeling in the squad and everyone is very enthusiastic about the region. There has been an influx of new players and boys are back from injury. There is an all round good feeling and togetherness."
Last season was a frustrating one for the 27 cap Welsh international as he suffered the majority of the season with a groin injury. It ruled him out of the entire Six Nations campaign but he played through the pain at the end of last season, however, the injury greatly restricted his kicking and he was in severe pain every time he struck the ball. At the end of the season he underwent an operation that has thankfully cleared up the problem. "I am very pleased to be getting back on the pitch after last year when I wasn't 100% fit and I am enjoying my rugby. Everything's great with the groin and there are no after effects. It all went to plan and I feel brand new."
As well as the kicking side of his game back to normal the physical side of the game is another aspect he enjoys, "I do enjoy the physical side of the game because it is good to get one over your opposite number or someone who is running towards you and to knock them back in the tackle not only lifts you but the whole team."
At 26 years of age Sweeney is classed as one of the senior members of The Dragons squad and last year he was vice captain. He is a well-respected figure and with a number of youngsters and academy members in the squad how has he helped them settle into the team? "I have tried to just encourage them and make them feel at home, it is easy for players to get intimidated playing with internationals and British Lions so I have just tried to explain that at the end of the day they are normal people and they should learn from them. Also to take as much from those who have experienced the top end of the game as they can and make the most of those opportunities."
Finally, after a good start to the season for him personally, what are Sweeney's aims for the rest of the season, "My aim is for The Dragons to get back into the Heineken Cup competition and also to get as far as we can in any cup competition we are in. For me personally I want to get back into the Welsh squad and be part of the World Cup squad. I am really enjoying my rugby this year and it is a lot better than the last two seasons, there is stability and continuity. We have bought in good new players and we are going in the right direction. There are lots of positives and we need to build on them."
