The Principality Premiership in Gwent is fast becoming a breeding ground for developing younger players to play for the region, but it is not all one-way traffic. Indeed those Dragons players who are not called upon to play for the side are often loaned out to Premiership clubs for their Principality League games.
Already this season ten Dragons squad players have played in the Premiership and made an impact.
Speaking on the growing relationship between the region and the Premiership clubs Rugby Manager Jim McCreedy said, "The management at The Dragons from the outset wanted to build relationships with the Premiership clubs in the region and it is great to see this coming to fruition. Already the benefits are being seen and as time continues this relationship can only go from strength to strength and benefit rugby in the region. Having regional players play in the premiership should not only raise playing standards but also bring out the best in the players they play alongside. In turn this could lead to them being selected to train with The Dragons due to an increase in playing standards and ability. It also has a knock on effect for supporters as they hopefully will in turn come out and support The Dragons when players from their local team represent the region."
So not only do The Dragons and Dragons players benefit but also the Premiership clubs benefit by having players of Dragons quality in their side which raises playing standards.
Premiership coaches are quick to praise this arrangement with Alex Codling of Ebbw Vale saying, "It's massive to have the help of The Dragons, they have been fantastic and we are very appreciative. The relationship is developing all the time, as we saw last year with Simon Hunt playing for The Dragons against Edinburgh, and it works both ways because the Academy boys can get experience here. But credit to the players that have come in because they handled themselves really well at short notice. Matt Jess and Shane Stewart came in and really wanted to do well for the club and put their hands up - I thought they were excellent."
Gareth Chapman and full back Aled Thomas have both featured for Cross Keys and Keys coach Robert Beale is quick to point out the benefit to his team that having regional players brings commenting, "I think the introduction of the two regional players gave the others a lot of confidence," said Beale. "Gareth had a great game in the centre and Aled's kicking really kept Llandovery pinned back - it gave the backs a boost and put the forwards on the front foot. It's sometimes difficult when you get asked to play them but we are committed to supporting the region and they came in and were terrific. And it brought the best out of so many players - I though Scott Mitchell had a great game and his decision making was superb all afternoon."
With the relationship between clubs and the region set to grow and grow it is a win, win situation all round!
